CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson for the second time, according to reports confirmed by ESPN on Friday. The move frees up approximately $36 million in cap space, allowing the team to achieve compliance with the NFL salary cap ahead of the modern league year.
The restructuring comes as the Browns navigate a complex financial situation surrounding their franchise quarterback. Watson, who did not play in the 2025 season although recovering from a torn Achilles tendon sustained in 2024, was slated to carry an NFL-high $80.7 million cap hit in 2026. The 30-year-old is still owed a fully guaranteed $46 million salary for the upcoming season, part of the original five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal signed upon his arrival in Cleveland before the 2022 season.
This isn’t the first time the Browns have adjusted Watson’s contract. The team previously reworked the deal to manage cap implications, demonstrating a continued commitment to financial flexibility while retaining the quarterback. The Browns’ willingness to restructure again underscores the importance of cap management in the modern NFL, where teams constantly balance present needs with future planning.
A Challenging Start in Cleveland
Since joining the Browns, Watson’s tenure has been marked by both on-field struggles and off-field controversy. Injuries and suspensions have limited him to just 19 games. His performance has not met the expectations set by his lucrative contract. Since his debut with the team, Watson has posted a Total QBR of 33.1, a figure that would be the lowest among qualified NFL passers.
The initial trade to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans was met with significant fanfare, but also scrutiny due to the allegations of misconduct that had surfaced during his time in Houston. The Browns, and the NFL, have since addressed those issues with suspensions and settlements. The team hoped Watson would be the long-term answer at quarterback, but his availability and performance have been inconsistent.
Competition for the Starting Role
With Watson’s recovery continuing, and his future with the team somewhat uncertain, the Browns are preparing for a quarterback competition heading into the 2026 season. He will be vying for the starting job alongside Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and potentially other additions during the offseason.
Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, brings a high level of excitement and potential to the Browns’ quarterback room. Gabriel, a college standout, offers a different skillset and will also be competing for playing time. The Browns’ coaching staff will be evaluating all options to determine the best path forward at the most important position in football.
First-year Browns coach Todd Monken expressed a willingness to give Watson every opportunity to regain his previous form. “Anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skill set at an elite level,” Monken said, “I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to receive that out of him again, and I think that’s how Make sure to look at every player.”
What This Means for the Browns’ Offseason
The cap space created by Watson’s contract restructuring provides the Browns with greater flexibility as they approach free agency and the NFL Draft. The team can now pursue additional players to address needs on both sides of the ball, potentially bolstering their roster and improving their chances of contention in the AFC North.
The Browns finished the 2025 season with a record of 11-6, narrowly missing the playoffs due to tiebreakers. Improving the quarterback position, whether it’s through Watson regaining his form or identifying a new starter, will be a top priority for the team this offseason. The Browns will also need to address needs along the offensive line and in the secondary to compete with the top teams in the conference.
The team’s ability to navigate the salary cap effectively will be crucial to their success. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement places strict limits on team spending, and the Browns must make smart decisions to maximize their resources. The restructuring of Watson’s contract is a significant step in that direction.
The Browns will open their 2026 training camp in late July at their facility in Berea, Ohio. The quarterback competition will be a central storyline throughout the preseason, and fans will be eager to see how the team’s quarterback situation unfolds. The regular season is scheduled to begin on September 13th, 2026, against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1:00 PM ET / 17:00 UTC).
The Browns’ front office and coaching staff face a critical offseason as they look to build a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl championship. The restructuring of Deshaun Watson’s contract is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a significant step in the right direction.
