2 weeks ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, create roughly $36M in cap space: Source

The Cleveland Browns have again restructured the contract of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, creating around $36 million in salary-cap space for 2025, a team source confirmed. After this restructure and ahead of the potential 2026 cap relief through insurance the Browns had on the contract, the team will still have around $136 million in cap commitments to Watson after the 2025 season. The December restructure added void years to the contract for cap reasons through 2030, though the Browns will be in position to decide in early 2026 how to handle the rest of the money. Required reading • Browns Pro Bowl G Joel Bitonio to return for 2025 season after mulling retirement • The Browns could be facing a total rebuild, even if they keep Myles Garrett

Browns Watson Restructure 2026 Cap roughly trade 2026 cap source 2025 watson restructure season space browns million watsons contract deshaun create

History of this topic

1 week, 3 days ago

Deals for QBs Darnold and Fields, pass rushers Williams and Sweat highlight start of NFL free agency

Associated Press

The NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles are losing two of their defensive disruptors who pressured Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Defensive tackle Milton Williams agreed to a deal with New England worth $26 million annually and edge rusher Josh Sweat is heading to the Arizona Cardinals on a four-year, $76.4 million contract, people with knowledge of the terms told The …

2 weeks ago

Browns restructure Watson’s contract to get under the salary cap, AP source says

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s contract has been reworked again by the Cleveland Browns as the team looks to clear salary cap space with the new league year less than one week away. A person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday that the latest restructuring of the quarterback’s contract will clear nearly $36 million in cap space for …

2 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson reinjures Achilles, has surgery and will miss ‘significant’ time in 2025

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s already unstable future with the Browns is even shakier. Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after Cleveland’s polarizing quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months and underwent another operation that could put his career in jeopardy. The setback could end Watson’s unsteady stay with the Browns, who believed they had …

2 months, 1 week ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson retears Achilles and has second surgery, putting 2025 in question

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson retore his Achilles tendon and underwent another surgery to repair it, the team announced Friday, casting further uncertainty over whether he will play in 2025. “Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season,” the Browns said. Watson is currently slated to count …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has medical setback, clouds future with team

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s future as Cleveland’s quarterback is more uncertain. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Monday that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture, and the team doesn’t know if or when he’ll be available in 2025. Berry said the Browns learned about Watson’s new medical situation during player exit meetings on …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers ‘setback’ in Achilles recovery, ‘too early to tell’ if QB will play in 2025

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a setback during his recovery from his Achilles injury, putting his availability for next season in question, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday. Berry said it’s “too early to tell” if Watson can play in 2025 after Watson told doctors during the quarterback’s end-of-the-season physical that “something didn’t feel right” in his repaired ankle. …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, per source: What it means for QB, Cleveland

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Jelani Scott The Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson have agreed to a restructured contract, a team source said Friday, an indication that the quarterback is set to return in 2025 after a failed 2024 season. But the restructure creates some flexibility by allowing Cleveland to spread dead money over multiple years if Watson remains …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NFL has closed an …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

What the Browns are facing going forward from a salary cap and roster perspective

New York Times

Despite scoring home wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, the 3-8 Cleveland Browns have obviously had a disappointing season. Watson’s fully guaranteed contract says the Browns are tied to him in any case, though the team will need options at the game’s most important position even if Watson gets healthy. Besides Watson’s, the two biggest 2025 cap numbers …

4 months, 1 week ago

A rush to restore hope: Browns’ most important target dates center around new stadium

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — There is a subtle but important shift about to occur within the Cleveland Browns. The Haslams’ Q score in Cleveland has never been particularly high but it’s even lower than usual in the wake of the Watson debacle and another season of unmet expectations. It doesn’t leave much time to repair quite a bit of PR damage …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns' Decision on Watson: Eye-Opening Test for the Offense

Associated Press

Browns' decision on Watson is difficult due to circumstances but obvious to the eye test. The blockbuster trade for Watson in 2022 is among the worst in NFL history. Giving him an unprecedented, fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract was even worse. With Watson, the Browns are 9-10. Without him, coach Kevin Stefanski is 30-26 overall and twice has been …

5 months ago

The Browns’ Deshaun Watson era is over. Why Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be QB for now

New York Times

CLEVELAND — We know the final chapter now of the Deshaun Watson saga in Cleveland. Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters that the team believes Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, with more tests ahead to confirm. “Kind of gave me flashbacks of being back at the Ravens game last year and that feeling I don’t want, feeling that …

5 months ago

What’s Browns’ plan at QB after Deshaun Watson injury? Answers murky for present and future

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The afternoon began with a strategic placement of Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson 10th on the team’s pregame introduction list. GO DEEPER Garrett, Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Watson's injury Winston had to report to the lead referee as part of the NFL’s protocol for an emergency quarterback to be allowed to participate. DTR off …

5 months ago

Cleveland Browns plan to build new $2.4billion domed stadium amid struggles under Deshaun Watson at quarterback

Daily Mail

The mayor of Cleveland, Ohio confirmed plans for the Cleveland Browns to depart their current stadium on the shores of Lake Erie for a new domed stadium in the suburbs. Rather than extend their lease at Huntington Bank Stadium - which was opened in 1999 - Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb says that Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam wish to …

5 months ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

5 months ago

Browns’ Kevin Stefanski sticking with Deshaun Watson at QB: ‘Gives us the best chance to win’

New York Times

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated Monday that Deshaun Watson remains his starting quarterback despite Cleveland’s 1-5 start to the season with an offense that has struggled to find its footing. “I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win and continues to give us the best chance to win.” Stefanski faced a looming question within Monday’s news conference about …

5 months, 1 week ago

NFL QB stock report, Week 6: Deshaun Watson ranks among NFL’s worst, but can Browns bench him?

New York Times

Read The Athletic’s latest NFL QB stock report. It’s been 11 months since Watson has eclipsed 200 passing yards in a game. GO DEEPER What we learned in NFL Week 5: Bengals can't finish, Browns done in by QB they can't bench To take it a step further, Watson has produced one game with at least 250 passing yards and …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

4 most impactful injuries so far, plus would the Browns bench Watson?

New York Times

Scoop City is The Athletic’s daily NFL newsletter. Live from Charlotte, North Carolina, where the 1-2 Panthers say they aren’t considering trading Bryce Young: Rather than simply watch as the Panthers go down with Young’s stock, The Athletic’s writers explored three trade scenarios, finding he could theoretically fetch a fourth-rounder, significantly better than what the Jets got for Zach Wilson …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Cleveland Browns fans call for Deshaun Watson to be benched amid sexual assault allegations

Daily Mail

Cleveland Browns fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get benched as the quarterback deals with sexual assault allegations. 'Every week for the past 3 years Deshaun Watson has looked like the worst QB in the NFL and there are still people that claim he's just a little rusty,' one fan wrote. Fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get …

6 months ago

Bryce Young, Tua and Watson: An NFL tipping point, or billionaires’ business as usual?

New York Times

It’s been a stressful start to the NFL season for teams that made big, speculative bets on quarterbacks. “Teams used to say to agents, ‘Just because I own a franchise worth, at the time, $2 billion, doesn’t mean I should pay more than I’m supposed to pay the players — we have a salary cap,’” a team contract negotiator said. …

6 months, 1 week ago

Browns need Deshaun Watson exit strategy fast. And why on earth are they playing him?

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The number of women who have accused Deshaun Watson in court filings of sexual misconduct is now up to 27. Despite the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, writing in a statement that Watson’s defense team has known about this case for the last 10 months, Watson said Wednesday he didn’t know about it until it was reported in the …

6 months, 1 week ago

Why NFL fans are convinced Deshaun Watson has created BURNER account on social media amid criticism

Daily Mail

NFL fans have become convinced that they have found the burner account for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on X as he faces tons of mounting criticism. The account @LeroyBickers4, under the name Leroy Bickerstaff, does not follow a single account and has exclusively posted positive things about Watson. Deshaun Watson may have created a burner account on X as …

6 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson accused of sexual assault by Texas woman in 2020 incident

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual assault in a new civil lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges the Cleveland Browns quarterback forced himself on her four years ago when he played with Houston. It’s the latest legal entanglement for Watson, who settled 23 of 24 lawsuits against him in 2022 after two dozen women accused him …

6 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson has rough return in first game since surgery as Browns thumped 33-17 by Cowboys

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Lying face down in the grass, Deshaun Watson couldn’t see another of his passes sail out of bounds. Watson didn’t look comfortable from the start in his first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November as the Cleveland Browns were blasted 33-17 in their season opener by the Dallas Cowboys. Watson spent much of …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Cleveland Browns season predictions: Garrett’s DPOY repeat, Watson expectations

New York Times

My annual Browns prediction column is usually fun, generating a lot of conversation — and some angst, too. The Browns rarely had their full first-team on the field during training camp, but Jeudy’s speed was obvious when he was out there — as was Watson’s interest in getting him the ball. On the call I think new Browns radio play-by-play …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

QB Deshaun Watson makes return from shoulder injury as Browns open season at home against Cowboys

Associated Press

Dallas at Cleveland Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox. The NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year is hoping to build off his most dominant season as a pro — if possible — and get the Browns to their first Super Bowl. … WR Brandin Cooks has been limited by a knee injury in the preseason but figures to play.. …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns release QB Tyler Huntley, leaving them with 3. Deshaun Watson’s contract reworked for 2024

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns threw away one of their quarterbacks. Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, leaving them with three QBs heading into the season after they were forced to start five in 2023 amid a rash of injuries at the position. Huntley threw three touchdown passes last week in Cleveland’s exhibition finale. The Browns will head into …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, release Tyler Huntley

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a team source confirmed, creating about $35 million in 2024 salary-cap space and increasing future cap commitments on the five-year deal he signed in 2022. GO DEEPER NFL QB Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1; Rodgers, Herbert drop out The Browns under general manager Andrew Berry …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns counting on Deshaun Watson’s return from shoulder surgery to build on playoff berth in 2023

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. NEW …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson sits out preseason finale after dealing with sore arm earlier in week

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s return to the field won’t happen until the games count. The Cleveland quarterback was held out of the Browns’ preseason finale Saturday night at Seattle. Coach Kevin Stefanski had planned to play Watson in the preseason finale but instead decided to take a cautious approach with the franchise QB. “I’ve seen a lot from him and really that …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns enter make-or-break 3rd season with QB Deshaun Watson following suspension, shoulder injury

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the one, the missing piece to return Cleveland’s forlorn franchise to fame. On the eve of a make-or-break third season in Cleveland, there are lingering questions and even some doubts about whether Watson, who has only played 12 games in the past four years due to an NFL suspension in 2022 and …

7 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

7 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

8 months ago

Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are among several NFL stars with something to prove this season

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Aaron Rodgers knows all eyes are on him. Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson, San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley are among a handful of NFL stars with something to prove because of injuries, mediocre play or needing to justify big contracts. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets Rodgers’ much-hyped arrival in the Big …

10 months ago

Can Jordan Love, Dak Prescott earn $60M a year? Next wave of QB deals set to push market limits

New York Times

Will the NFL quarterback market eventually stabilize or keep skyrocketing toward $60 million annually? Goff’s deal will surely be used as a starting point for the others’ negotiations, as it followed a seismic shift in the market in 2023 when four QB contracts exceeded $50 million in average annual value and two more hit $40 million per year. Though neither …

10 months, 1 week ago

Reintroducing Browns’ draft picks and exploring their best potential fits

New York Times

Real football — or something close to it — is about to return to the Cleveland Browns’ practice fields in Berea, Ohio. With that in mind, we kick off rookie minicamp with a refresher and overview of the six draft picks and how each player best fits into the team’s plans. Zak is incredibly smart and someone that we expect …

11 months ago

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that’s never been to one. The team’s franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. The team’s massive investment into Watson affects every move the Browns make, …

1 year ago

The state of Browns’ receiving corps following Jerry Jeudy’s contract extension

New York Times

Less than a week after officially finalizing a trade to acquire Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos, the Cleveland Browns signed the wide receiver to a three-year extension worth a total of $41 million in guaranteed money. Amari Cooper has been the Browns’ leading receiver since joining the team in 2022, going for over 1,100 yards in each of the …

1 year ago

Browns to sign Tyler Huntley, former Ravens QB gives more depth behind Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Browns are taking the tough lessons they learned last season about quarterbacks to heart. Cleveland agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Baltimore Ravens QB Tyler Huntley on Sunday, adding another veteran to give them more depth and protection behind Deshaun Watson. Huntley is signing at the veteran’s minimum salary with the Browns, who spent …

1 year ago

Mayfield staying with Bucs after agreeing to 3-year deal worth up to $115 million, AP source says

Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield is staying with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday. Mayfield agreed to terms two days after Tampa Bay finalized a two-year, $52 million contract with star receiver Mike Evans, who also passed up an …

1 year ago

Jerry Jeudy is traded from Broncos to Browns for fifth and sixth-round pick... giving embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson little excuse not to succeed in Cleveland

Daily Mail

Jerry Jeudy's arrival in Cleveland should boost the Browns' passing attack The Broncos have agreed to send Jerry Jeudy to the Browns - giving Cleveland's passing attack another big weapon. Jerry Jeudy has been traded to the Browns for a pair of late-round picks He posted 758 receiving yards last season for Denver, along with two TD receptions His best …

1 year, 1 month ago

Browns GM says he would ‘absolutely love’ to re-sign Flacco, even as Watson’s backup

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s short, surprising stint with the Browns could lead to a second season in Cleveland — maybe as Deshaun Watson’s backup. General manager Andrew Berry said Monday that he would “absolutely love” to re-sign the 39-year-old Flacco, who went 4-1 as a starter and helped the Browns make the playoffs after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns excited about getting Deshaun Watson healthy as they look ahead to next season

New York Times

The Browns’ offseason began with Kevin Stefanski providing a positive update on quarterback Deshaun Watson, and the expected confirmation from Cleveland’s coach that, yes, Watson will be the team’s starter as soon as he’s healthy. Joe Flacco signed to the practice squad eight days after Watson’s injury and led the Browns to a four-game December win streak that helped them …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns coach confident Deshaun Watson will be ‘ready to roll’ after season-ending shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s first two seasons with the Browns have been short, underwhelming and incomplete. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he’s still confident Watson will bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him this season and become the elite quarterback Cleveland mortgaged its future to get. “We all know what he’s capable of and we’re excited …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson says right shoulder rehab on track following season-ending surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s season ended last month. “But I’m very supportive, and the guys got to keep rolling because they’re on fire right now.” Watson got hurt in the first half of a Nov. 12 game at Baltimore. Until then, I’m just going to follow every rules and every precaution they want me to follow.” After the surgery, Watson …

1 year, 3 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has shoulder surgery. Team expects full recovery before start of ’24 season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his second season in Cleveland after just nine games. The Browns said shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to fix the displaced fracture of Watson’s right glenoid. The 28-year-old will begin rehab later this …

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