Stories: Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson’s Contract, QB Poised To Keep In Cleveland By means of 2026

The Cleveland Browns have restructured QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, primarily guaranteeing he’ll be with the group in 2025 and lowering his future wage cap cost, in accordance with NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport.

Sources: The #Browns and QB Deshaun Watson have agreed to phrases on a contract restructure, easing the wage cap burden for years to return.

The reworked deal additionally indicators that Watson is predicted to be on the #Browns subsequent season. That is concerning the cap after his deal is up. pic.twitter.com/9Mog27khcK

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2024

NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero provided particulars to the re-worked deal. The deal received’t affect his 2025 cap quantity however will permit the group to unfold out the cap hit in later years, suggesting he’ll be with the group by way of a minimum of 2026.

The adjustment to Deshaun Watson’s contract doesn’t affect his ~$73M cap quantity in 2025 (which may occur later). It lets the #Browns unfold the cap hit on the finish of the contract, which expires after 2026 — a robust signal Watson will probably be in Cleveland two extra years (a minimum of). https://t.co/tq1wFX3Y5k

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 27, 2024

Signed to the biggest absolutely assured contract in NFL historical past after being traded from the Houston Texans, five-years, $230 million, Watson was slated to hold a $46 million base wage into 2025. His cap quantity was even increased, $72.95 million, greater than one-quarter of the 2024 wage cap (a determine more likely to rise in 2025).

It’s change into one of many worst trades and contracts not simply in NFL historical past however sports activities historical past. Not solely did the Browns promote the farm for Watson, the enormous contract and sending Houston three first-round picks, they took a status hit for buying a participant mass accused of sexual harassment and assault. Watson was suspended for the primary 11 video games of the 2022 season for the allegations and lawsuits, most of which he settled. The NFL just lately closed one other investigation into Watson, closing off an opportunity for the Browns to void his contract and escape the remainder of the deal.

His play on the sector has not justified the transfer. In 19 begins, Deshaun Watson has received simply 9 video games, finishing simply 61 % of his passes with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In 2024, he threw for simply 5 touchdowns in 5 begins earlier than tearing his Achilles midseason, jeopardizing his readiness for the beginning of subsequent 12 months. He was outplayed by backup Jameis Winston, a quarterback who has thrown his fair proportion of interceptions however produced far greater performs and proved able to shifting the Browns’ offense.

Watson’s huge contract all the time made it a close to certainty he was going to be a Brown in 2025. His position with the group is unclear. It’ll be tough for the group justifying him as probably the most gifted quarterback and starter on the roster. The fan base has turned on him and it’s uncertain gamers share a lot confidence in his potential to steer Cleveland to the playoffs. The group might attempt to stash him on an injured listing for the primary half of the season, most probably putting him on Reserve/PUP to start the 2025 season for a minimum of the primary six weeks.

Sitting at 3-12 getting into their regular-season finale, the Browns will look to reset for subsequent season. The operating recreation wants re-tooled with RB Nick Chubb’s newest accidents probably ending his NFL profession. The offensive line isn’t the power it as soon as was. And the protection hasn’t performed as much as par regardless of having expertise, continuity, and a superb defensive coordinator. However nothing is extra vital than discovering a quarterback. Watson will probably be a Brown in 2025, however he isn’t the reply.