Cleveland Browns Adjust Watson’s Deal Amid Struggles

27 Dec 2024

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Cleveland Browns Adjust Watson’s Deal Amid Struggles \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Cleveland Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed contract to create salary-cap flexibility. Watson, limited to 19 games in three seasons due to suspension and injuries, is expected to return next season after recovering from Achilles surgery. The adjustment spreads the salary-cap impact and positions the team to address quarterback needs in the future.

Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson’s Deal: Quick Looks

Contract Restructuring: Browns spread Watson’s salary-cap hit beyond 2026 to create financial flexibility.
Watson’s Tenure: Played just 19 games in three years due to suspensions and injuries.
Salary Impact: Watson carries a $72.9M cap hit for the next two seasons; restructure could aid in roster upgrades.
Future Plans: Browns may draft a QB in 2025 or seek talent in free agency despite Watson’s contract.
Myles Garrett’s Comments: Defensive star urges clarity on the team’s offseason strategy and QB direction.

Deep Look

The Cleveland Browns have once again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s record-breaking five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in an effort to create salary-cap space and secure flexibility for future roster moves. A person familiar with the situation disclosed the news to The Associated Press on Friday, confirming the Browns’ strategy to spread the financial impact of Watson’s contract beyond the 2026 season.

The move comes as Watson’s tenure with the Browns continues to fall short of expectations. Since signing the historic deal in 2022, Watson has been limited to just 19 games across three seasons due to an NFL suspension and a series of injuries. Despite flashes of his former talent, the quarterback has struggled to regain the elite form that once made him a three-time Pro Bowler.

Financial Flexibility Amid Challenges

Watson’s contract restructure allows the Browns to mitigate his $72.9 million salary-cap hit for the next two seasons, giving the team room to make offseason acquisitions or draft picks. The Browns, currently sitting at 3-12, have endured a disappointing season, marred by quarterback instability and roster underperformance.

While the restructuring spreads out Watson’s financial impact, it does not preclude the team from exploring additional quarterback options. According to the source, the Browns are open to adding talent at the position in 2025, either through free agency or the draft.

Watson’s Injury Woes and Performance Struggles

This season, Watson played in only seven games before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, ending his year prematurely. Since joining the Browns, he has compiled a 9-10 record as a starter. While there have been glimpses of his capabilities, Watson has often appeared hesitant in the pocket, struggling to connect consistently with receivers and lead the offense effectively.

The Browns have not disclosed their immediate plans at quarterback, but it is widely assumed that Watson will return as the starter next season. However, the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the first round looms large. The team traded away its first-round picks in the past three years to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the long-term investment has paid off.

Off-Field Issues and Fallout

Watson’s time in Cleveland has also been shadowed by off-field controversies. In his first season with the Browns, he was suspended for 11 games after being accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women during massage therapy sessions. The suspension and subsequent fallout significantly disrupted the Browns’ efforts to integrate Watson into their system.

Since undergoing surgery for his Achilles injury, Watson has been focused on rehabilitation. On Thursday, he posted a photo on Instagram showing himself standing without a walking boot, captioning it: “Back on My Feet! MOREGLORY!” Despite this optimistic update, Watson has not spoken to the media in months.

Myles Garrett Speaks Out

The restructuring news follows comments from Browns defensive star Myles Garrett, who recently expressed frustration with the team’s direction. Garrett, a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, stated he does not want to be part of a rebuild and urged the front office to clarify its offseason strategy, particularly regarding the quarterback position.

“They just wanted to see where my head was at and what I was thinking,” Garrett said about his discussions with team management. While he refrained from revealing specifics, Garrett’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within the locker room about the need for transparency and progress.

When asked about his teammates’ reactions to his remarks, Garrett noted that many share his concerns. “Everyone’s kind of feeling the same way,” he said, emphasizing the urgency for the organization to deliver a clear plan for the future.

Looking Ahead

The Browns’ restructuring of Watson’s contract is a tactical decision that offers financial breathing room, but it does not address the deeper issues plaguing the team. Watson’s performance, health, and off-field controversies have complicated Cleveland’s efforts to build a winning roster.

While the Browns remain optimistic about Watson’s recovery and potential as a starter, the possibility of drafting or acquiring a new quarterback signals a readiness to pivot if necessary. For a franchise that has long struggled with quarterback instability, the next two seasons will be critical in determining whether Watson can live up to his historic contract or if Cleveland must explore other options.

As the Browns navigate the challenges ahead, they face pressure not only from fans but also from players like Garrett, who demand clarity and commitment to a winning culture. The team’s decisions in the coming offseason will likely define its trajectory for years to come.