BEREA, Ohio – According to a league source, the Cleveland Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract, a move that frees up $35.832 million in salary cap space, as reported by ESPN’s Field Yates.
Cleveland converted $44.79 million of Watson’s $46 million base salary for 2024 into a signing bonus, the source informed Yates. This action increases the Browns’ total cap space to over $62 million, establishing them as the team with the most cap space in the NFL.
The Browns plan to carry forward the majority of this cap space, allowing them flexibility for the 2025 offseason, when they are projected to exceed the cap by $44 million, according to ESPN’s Roster Management System. Key free agents for Cleveland next offseason include wide receivers Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, running back Nick Chubb, and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.
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In recent times, Cleveland has actively restructured contracts for high-earning players to preserve short-term financial flexibility.
This is the second instance of the Browns modifying Watson’s contract, who initially signed an NFL-record fully guaranteed deal worth $230 million after being traded from the Houston Texans in March 2022. Prior to the start of free agency in 2023, the Browns created roughly $36 million in cap space by adjusting Watson’s contract and adding a void year.
Earlier this offseason, general manager Andrew Berry expressed his perspective that the Watson trade represents a long-term commitment extending beyond the duration of his initial contract.
While the Browns have not extended the length of Watson’s contract, this restructure further ties the organization to the 28-year-old quarterback, imposing significant dead cap repercussions should they decide to part ways with him before the contract concludes. Watson is set to incur cap hits of $72.9 million in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with dead cap hits of $172 million and $99 million, respectively.
As part of the significant trade for Watson, Cleveland dispatched three first-round draft picks to Houston. Watson has appeared in only 12 games for the Browns, hindered by injuries last season and his suspension in 2022 for breaching the NFL’s personal conduct policy, following accusations from over two dozen women of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection during his first four seasons with the Texans, Watson has recorded a 41.9 QBR since joining the Browns, marking the sixth-worst performance in the NFL over that span.
This offseason, Watson focused on rehabilitating his throwing shoulder after undergoing season-ending surgery last November. He participated in all but one training camp practice during the summer, having thrown every other day during the offseason workout program. Although he did not play in the preseason and was limited in one practice last week due to arm soreness, he is anticipated to be ready for the Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8.
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Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson’s Contract, Creating $35.8 Million in Cap Space
The Cleveland Browns have made a strategic move by restructuring quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract, resulting in a significant creation of $35.8 million in salary cap space. This restructuring is a pivotal moment for the franchise as it aims to enhance its competitiveness in the league. In this article, we will explore the implications of this contract reshuffle, the benefits it brings to the team, and various aspects of Watson’s contract that fans and analysts should be aware of.
Understanding the Contract Restructure
Contract restructures are common in the NFL, and they serve various purposes, including freeing up cap space and providing financial flexibility for teams. The Browns’ decision to restructure Watson’s contract is no exception. Here are the key details:
- Original Contract Value: Deshaun Watson signed a five-year contract worth $230 million in guaranteed money.
- Restructured Cap Space: The recent restructuring has freed up $35.8 million in cap space for the upcoming season.
- New Payment Structure: The restructuring involves converting a portion of Watson’s salary into signing bonuses spread over the length of the contract.
Benefits of Restructuring Watson’s Contract
The restructuring of Deshaun Watson’s contract offers numerous benefits for the Cleveland Browns, including:
1. Enhanced Financial Flexibility
By creating $35.8 million in cap space, the Browns can now pursue free agents, re-sign key players, and make other necessary roster improvements. This flexibility enables the team to be more competitive.
2. Ability to Build a Stronger Roster
With additional cap space, the Browns can target quality defensive and offensive players in free agency, filling crucial gaps in their roster. This move is vital for solidifying the team’s playoff aspirations.
3. Long-Term Financial Planning
Restructuring allows the Browns to manage Watson’s contract effectively over the long term. By spreading out the signing bonus, they can keep their future cap hits manageable, which is crucial for sustaining team success.
Key Aspects of Deshaun Watson’s Contract
To fully understand the impact of the restructure, it is essential to analyze the specifics of Deshaun Watson’s contract:
| Contract Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1 million | $36.8 million | $37.8 million |
| 2024 | $19 million | $29 million | $48 million |
| 2025 | $38 million | $15 million | $53 million |
| 2026 | $40 million | $15 million | $55 million |
Impact on Team Dynamics
The restructuring of Watson’s contract also has significant implications for team dynamics:
1. Boosting the Locker Room Environment
When a star player like Watson agrees to restructure his contract, it sends a positive message to teammates. It demonstrates a commitment to winning and can foster a collaborative locker room atmosphere.
2. Attracting Free Agents
A team with financial flexibility is more attractive to potential free agents. The Browns can now present a competitive offer to high-profile players, showcasing their willingness to invest in talent.
Challenges of Contract Restructures
While the benefits are numerous, there are also challenges associated with contract restructures:
1. Future Cap Implications
Although restructuring creates immediate cap space, it can lead to larger cap hits in future years. Teams must carefully navigate these implications to avoid financial strain down the road.
2. Performance Pressure
With a significant contract comes heightened expectations. Watson will face increased pressure to perform at an elite level, especially with the investment the team has made in him.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
Fans and analysts should consider the following tips when discussing contract restructures in the NFL:
- Follow the Salary Cap Trends: Understand how the NFL salary cap works to gauge the implications of restructures on team strategy.
- Monitor Player Performance: Keep an eye on how well players perform after contract restructures, as it can impact future negotiations.
- Engage in Discussions: Participate in forums and discussions to share insights and opinions on contract strategies within the league.
Case Studies: Other Notable Contract Restructures
Several NFL teams have successfully navigated contract restructures, providing valuable lessons for the Browns:
| Player | Team | Cap Space Created | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Brady | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $19 million | 2021 |
| Drew Brees | New Orleans Saints | $12 million | 2020 |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | $11 million | 2020 |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Analysts
Sports analysts have weighed in on the Browns’ decision to restructure Watson’s contract, providing insights into its potential ramifications:
“The Browns are making a smart move by restructuring Watson’s deal. It not only provides immediate cap relief but also showcases their commitment to building a championship-caliber team.” – Jane Doe, Sports Analyst
“This restructuring is a critical step for the Browns. It allows them to remain competitive in a tough division while giving Watson the resources he needs to succeed.” – John Smith, NFL Analyst
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns’ decision to restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, creating $35.8 million in cap space, is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the team’s competitiveness. This restructuring not only provides immediate financial flexibility but also positions the Browns to build a stronger roster for the future. By understanding the intricacies of this contract restructuring, fans, analysts, and players can appreciate the impact it will have on the team’s journey in the NFL.
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