Browns’ contract decision with Deshaun Watson suddenly doesn’t look quite as bad after latest news
The Cleveland Browns trade for Deshaun Watson is the worst in NFL history to this point. However, the latest information made available makes the contract given to Watson look a little better.
The Cleveland Browns‘ trade for QB Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans looks like the worst move ever in NFL history to this point.
Cleveland traded three first-round picks, six picks in all, for what they thought would be the franchise quarterback for the Browns for years to come. In four seasons, the Browns have gotten just 19 games from Watson in four seasons.
A costly mistake the Browns made was giving Watson a five-year deal worth $230 million. Entering the final season of his contract in Cleveland, the contract now looks like less of an issue for the Browns.
Browns’ insurance decision has saved them a ton of money spent on Deshaun Watson
When the Browns restructured Watson’s contract in 2023, they took out insurance for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. Watson missed 11 games in 2023 due to a shoulder injury, 10 games in 2024, and 17 games in 2025 while recovering from an Achilles injury. There have been 38 games missed due to injury and 11 games due to suspension.
According to Mike Florio, the Browns are getting back $88.781 million in cap credit in all that’ll happen between 2024 and 2029. It breaks down like this: $8.79 million (for 2024), $8.79 million (for 2025), $7.983 million (for 2025), $8.781 million (for 2026), $7.992 million (for 2026), $4.951 million (for 2026) $8.755 million (for 2027), $8.018 million (for 2027), $8.755 million (for 2028), $7.983 million (for 2028), and $7.983 million (for 2029).
The Browns are still paying out Watson all $230 million that he was fully guaranteed. When factoring in the insurance returns the Browns will get back on the cap, they’re really only going to be out on approximately $141.21 million. Now I’m saying only, when it’s still a lot of money, but it’s significant savings for the Browns.
Deshaun Watson is getting one last chance to show his worth with the Browns
Watson has a 9-10 record as the starting QB for the Browns and when he’s been on the field it’s been almost nothing but poor play. The former Pro Bowler has thrown for 3,365 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in a Browns uniform. After taking 2025 off entirely to get healthy, Watson gets one last chance to make this trade look a little better for the Browns.
Cleveland’s starting quarterback battle is between Watson and Shedeur Sanders in Todd Monken’s first year as the head coach. Through OTAs, the battle is clearly close with no decision to come until training camp. Watson is the favorite to win the job for the Browns. But how long can he keep it?