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Browns Restructure Watson's Deal, Locking in $92 Million Through 2026 with Void Years

Dec 27, 2024, 09:18 PM

The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a move aimed at easing future salary cap burdens and signaling that Watson is expected to remain with the team through at least the 2026 season. The restructuring does not alter Watson's $73 million cap hit for 2025 but allows the Browns to spread the cap hit at the end of his contract, which expires after 2026. Watson, who has played in only 19 games since joining the Browns, is set to receive $92 million fully guaranteed over the next two years under the terms of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal signed in 2022. The Browns have also added void years to Watson's contract, extending the dead cap hit into 2030, providing further cap flexibility. Despite the restructuring, the Browns are expected to bring in additional quarterback competition, whether through the draft or free agency, for the upcoming season.