Cleveland Browns have again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s massive contract to create salary cap space and give them future flexibility.
Watson has been limited to just 19 games in three seasons because of an NFL suspension and injuries with the Browns, who signed him to a five-year, $370 million AUD fully-guaranteed contract in 2022.
The latest restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season according to an AP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The 29-year-old Watson has two years remaining on his contract with an average of $74 million per year. The move to restructure his deal will not preclude the Browns from adding talent at the quarterback position in 2025, the source said.
Watson played in only seven games this season before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon and has a 9-10 as a starter with Cleveland.
Cleveland (3-12) have been a major disappointment this season after making it to the playoffs a year ago behind Joe Flacco, who was signed as a free agent after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Watson had surgery in October and was replaced by Jameis Winston, who had glimpses of brilliance but failed to find any consistency with the Browns.
While the team hasn’t disclosed its plans at quarterback, it’s assumed Watson will be in the mix to be the starter next season.
It’s also possible the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round.
The team hasn’t had a first-round pick the past three years after trading to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson, who was considered one of the league’s elite playmakers.
