In a move that hints at quarterback Deshaun Watson remaining with the Cleveland Browns next season, he and the club reportedly have agreed to restructure his contract.
Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed five-year deal worth $230 million when the Browns traded three first-round draft picks for him before the 2022 season, is still owed $46 million per season through 2026.
The restructure aids the team by adding two more void years to the contract, on top of two void years that were included initially. That lets the Browns extend his dead salary cap through the 2030 season, ESPN reported Friday.
Despite those void years, Watson would still be a free agent before the 2027 season.
After injuries and legal issues — which led to an 11-game suspension — sidelined Watson for the 2021 season and most of 2022, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has struggled mightily in Cleveland.
In 19 games, all as the starter, Watson has completed 61.2 percent of his passes, well below his average of 67.8 percent with Houston. He has thrown 19 touchdown passes but also 12 interceptions, also well below his Houston ratio of 104 scores to 36 picks.
Watson was lost for the season on Oct. 20 with a torn right Achilles tendon, the second straight year that an injury cut his season short. He missed the final eight games of 2023 due to shoulder surgery.
The Browns finished second in the AFC North and made the playoffs last season, ending a run of 15 straight seasons either third or fourth in the division. They are 3-12 this season and again in last place in the division.
–Field Level Media
