What does Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed contract say if he gets injured for an entire season? Diving deep into his record-breaking $230 million deal
Deshaun Watson's second Achilles injury may have jeopardized the remaining $92 million of his contract if he missed the entire 2025 season.
Follow Us
Browns' Deshaun Watson (Via Cleveland.com)
Though it was inevitable for Deshaun Watson to return this season after he ruptured his Achilles in late October, there was a glimmer of hope for his return by the opening week of next season. However, he captured the attention once more with the troubling news that he might miss the entire 2025 season.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback reportedly re-ruptured his Achilles, which compromised his chances of returning next season. Although Browns’ General Manager Andrew Berry stated that his absence would not significantly impact the team’s offseason strategy, it would be quite detrimental for the Browns if he were to miss a season entirely.
The franchise acquired the quarterback in a hefty trade deal with Houston Texas, where they exchanged three first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024 along with two more draft picks. After that, he signed him in a lucrative deal worth $230 million in 2022.
Deshaun Watson's new Achilles injury potentially jeopardizes $92 million in remaining guarantees. It comes down to when, where, and how he rolled his ankle and tore it again. https://t.co/rrF9WaQQfP
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 11, 2025
However in the three years he has been in Cleveland, he has merely played 19 games and the number of his missed games would increase to 38 out of 51 if he missed the entire 2025 season.
Deshaun Watson’s contract clauses could impact $92 million guarantee
Despite the three-time Pro Bowler’s questionable number of missed games due to injuries and suspension from the NFL, the Browns have paid him $46 million guaranteed money under his contract in each of the seasons.
On a brighter note, the Browns have a safety net in Watson’s contract. If he is unable to play for the entire season, they can recover some funds and gain salary-cap relief. In December, they restructured his contract and added void years to obtain some flexibility on their end.
Under his lucrative contract, it is clearly mentioned that the guaranteed money clause of his contract will become void if he re-torn or re-ruptured his Achilles by any non-football-related injury.
Skydiving, hang gliding, rock or mountain climbing, racing of any kind including as a driver or passenger, motorcycling, use of any off-road or all-terrain vehicle, professional wrestling, boxing, use of firearms, scuba diving, jet skiing, surfing, bungee jumping, basketball, diving, and snow or water skiing.
Deshaun Watson said
While it’s certain that the re-rupture did not happen on the football field, if it happened because of any of the activities mentioned in his contract, he would not be entitled to receive the remaining $92 million and the franchise may consider the option of releasing him after his availability for next season is confirmed.
Stay Updated!
Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)