Browns Create $35.76M in Cap Space by Restructuring Deshaun Watson’s Deal

Deshaun Watson agreed to have a restructure done to his lucrative contract which he signed after a blockbuster trade in 2022.

Browns Create $35.76M in Cap Space by Restructuring Deshaun Watson’s Deal

Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Deshaun Watson restructured his contract, creating $35.76 million in cap space for the Cleveland Browns.
  • Watson's cap charge was initially set to be $80.72 million in 2026 before the restructure.
  • The Browns are considering Watson as a starting quarterback option for the 2026 season after a disappointing tenure.

The Cleveland Browns’ latest move suggests that Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to return after spending last year recovering from a ruptured ACL in his right leg. Watson agreed to a contract restructure, opening up a generous amount of cap space for the Browns to work with.

Last year, the Browns shuffled through four different quarterbacks, including their pair of rookies, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. After Joe Flacco departed, the Browns found themselves in a difficult position. Kevin Stefanski turned to Gabriel, who made six starts before the baton was handed to Sanders.

The University of Colorado graduate flashed the talent that once had him projected as a first-round pick. Still, despite Sanders’ best efforts, the Browns ended up at the bottom of the AFC North for the second year in a row.

In the meantime, Watson started giving Sanders pointers. He even showed up on the sidelines at Browns games, listening to Stefanski’s calls through the headphones. After the season ended, the Browns fired Stefanski and appointed former offensive coordinator Todd Monken as the new head coach.

In February, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot shared that the team will explore every possible option before choosing their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with Deshaun Watson among those being considered.

On Friday, March 6, NBC Sports’ Myles Simmons reported that Watson had restructured his contract, a five-year, $230 million deal worth about $45–47 million per year, which he signed after a blockbuster trade in which the Browns sent three first-round picks, as well as a third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024, to the Houston Texans.

Watson’s cap charge was set to be $80.72 million in 2026. With the restructure, the Browns will clear $35.76 million in cap room.

Simmons wrote

Former NFL player backs Deshaun Watson to shine for the Browns at the expense of Shedeur Sanders

Fans expected Watson to be a dominant player, given the significant draft capital the Browns invested in him. His tenure in Cleveland has been one giant disappointment. Since leaving Houston, Watson has sat out more games because of injuries and legal troubles than he has actually played.

Browns Create $35.76M in Cap Space by Restructuring Deshaun Watson’s Deal
Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

Still 30, Watson has played just 19 games for the Browns in five years. And he did not look good when he played. He was 1-6 when the first series of injuries struck him in 2024. Despite the poor record, former NFL athlete Emmanuel Acho believes that Watson is a better quarterback than rookie Sanders.

I think Deshaun [Watson] is going to come back and play at a higher level at quarterback than what the Browns have seen in the last two years. It’s not saying that much, but I think he’s going to play better than a rookie Shedeur [Sanders] and a 39-year-old Joe Flacco. I think Desahaun Watson can play at a .500 level.

Acho said on Speakeasy

The Texans drafted Watson, CFP Champion, 12th overall in 2017. Since entering the league, Watson has accumulated a 37-35 record (barely over .500).

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