Browns Restructure Quarterback Contract to Clear Cap Space

The Browns and Watson agreed to a restructure that set the stage for this move and potentially a formal breakup in early 2026.

The December restructure added void years to the contract for cap reasons through 2030, though the Browns will be in a position to decide in early 2026 how they want to proceed with the monetary and cap aspects of the contract.

The Browns acquired Watson in March 2022 for three first-round picks and promptly gave Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.

This was possibly the most poisonous contract ever given out to a player in the history of the National Football League. The Browns have been saddled with the contract and due to guarantees could do very little about it. 

The contract has hindered Cleveland from making other moves which has led defensive stud Myles Garrett to demand a trade from the Browns.

Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon in October. He then suffered the same injury again in early January. He’s out at least for the start of the 2025 season. 

It is entirely possible he will never don the jersey of the Browns again. Between his past legal troubles and his injuries, chances are his days at the Dawg Pound are over.

The team will have around $136 million in cap commitments to Watson after the 2025 season. However, they will get some cap relief through insurance they have on Watson's contract next season and thereafter.