Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson's Contract, Clearing $36M in Cap Space

The move helps Cleveland meet salary cap requirements and opens options for addressing its quarterback situation.

The Cleveland Browns converted $44.7 million of Deshaun Watson's 2025 salary into a signing bonus, reducing his cap hit by $35.8 million.
The restructuring ensures the Browns are cap compliant for the upcoming league year, which begins March 12.
Despite the cap relief, Watson's future with the team is uncertain as he recovers from a second Achilles tear and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.
The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft and are reportedly considering drafting a quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward among the prospects under evaluation.
Cleveland is also exploring veteran quarterback options in free agency, with speculation around potential affordable candidates like Kirk Cousins if released by Atlanta.