The Cleveland Browns made one of the boldest decisions in NFL history when they handed quarterback Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed five year, $230 million contract in 2022.
At the time, the deal was viewed as a franchise altering move that could help return the Browns to championship contention. Four years later, however, the conversation surrounding Watson’s contract has shifted dramatically as Cleveland faces difficult financial questions that may linger long after the quarterback’s deal expires.
Watson is set to earn the final $46 million of his contract, but the Browns could remain responsible for substantial salary cap charges even if he is no longer on the roster. The situation has sparked concern among fans and analysts who wonder how the organization plans to move forward.
How the Browns restructured Watson’s contract
In an effort to create short-term salary cap flexibility, Cleveland has repeatedly restructured Watson’s contract over the past several years.
The team converted portions of his base salary into signing bonuses and spread those cap hits over future seasons by adding void years to the deal. While the strategy helped the Browns remain competitive in the present, it also pushed financial obligations into the future.
The result is a contract that now stretches beyond Watson’s active playing years with the franchise.
Four void years currently remain on the deal through 2030. These seasons are not intended for Watson to play under, but they exist solely for accounting purposes, allowing the Browns to spread out cap charges over a longer period.
That strategy is not uncommon across the NFL, but it comes with risks.
Once the original contract expires, the remaining prorated money accelerates onto the salary cap, creating potentially enormous dead money charges.
For Cleveland, those charges could become difficult to ignore.
Why the future cap hits are concerning
If Watson is no longer with the Browns after the 2026 season, the team could still face more than $86 million in dead cap charges.
The Browns would have the option of absorbing that amount in one season or spreading it across two years through post June 1 accounting rules. Either option would create significant financial challenges.
Dead cap money represents salary cap space allocated to players who are no longer on the roster. The more money tied up in those charges, the less flexibility teams have to sign free agents, retain key contributors or make roster improvements.
For Cleveland, Watson is not the only player carrying future financial implications.
Tight end David Njoku, safety Grant Delpit and star defensive end Myles Garrett also have contracts that include notable future cap considerations. Cornerback Denzel Ward could become another player requiring restructuring depending on how the Browns manage their finances.
The accumulation of these contracts has led some observers to compare Cleveland’s strategy to that of the New Orleans Saints, who have long relied on void years and restructures to remain competitive while pushing cap charges into future seasons.
Could Watson still remain in Cleveland?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s future, the possibility of an extension has not been completely ruled out.
General manager Andrew Berry has previously indicated that player performance remains an important factor in long-term decisions. If Watson returns to form and helps the Browns win, the organization could consider extending him to spread cap charges out even further.
That scenario, however, creates another layer of debate.
Some fans worry the team could become trapped by its initial investment. Even modest success from Watson might encourage the Browns to commit additional years to the quarterback, delaying financial consequences but potentially extending uncertainty at the position.
The situation becomes even more complicated if Cleveland decides to develop a younger quarterback while Watson remains on the roster.
A scenario in which a rookie struggles and Watson returns to reclaim playing time could create difficult choices about the franchise’s direction. Wins late in the season might improve morale but could also affect draft positioning and long-term roster planning.
A defining moment for the Browns
The Browns now find themselves balancing two competing goals.
On one hand, they are trying to maximize their chances of winning in the present. On the other, they must prepare for a future shaped by one of the most expensive contracts in league history.
Watson’s deal was once celebrated as a sign of Cleveland’s ambition.
Today, it serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in the NFL.
Whether Watson revives his career or eventually moves on, the Browns are likely to feel the effects of the contract for years to come. How the organization manages those challenges may ultimately determine whether the deal becomes a story of perseverance or a cautionary tale about the risks of betting heavily on a franchise quarterback.
