Deshaun Watson's contract restructure gives Browns room to find 2025 QB

Watson entered Thursday with a $72.7 million 2025 cap number, and the Browns were roughly $23.2 million over the salary cap.

Per Spotrac, with the restructuring, Cleveland converted $44.745 million of his 2025 base salary ($46 million) into bonus payments stretched out throughout his contract.

Because of its financial commitment to Watson, Cleveland will likely be stuck with him through at least 2026, even if he has thrown his last regular-season pass in a Browns jersey.

According to Spotrac, the restructure increased his 2026 cap hit to $81.6 million, and the team would incur a $135.4 million dead cap charge by releasing him next offseason.

Watson was arguably the league's worst starting quarterback in 2024. He was 137-of-216 (63.4 percent) for 1,148 yards (5.3 yards per attempt), five touchdowns and three interceptions before a ruptured Achilles ended his season in Week 7. 

According to NFL Pro, Watson struggled mightily on third downs, only earning a first down on 17.5 percent of his dropbacks. His 13.3 percent sack rate was the league's highest.

Cleveland won't have many solid options in free agency that it can afford. The offseason's top quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, are likely out of the Browns' price range. Justin Fields might be considered, but the Steelers are reportedly interested in bringing him back.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is familiar with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together with the Vikings and could be an option if Atlanta releases the 13-year veteran.

Watson's restructuring doesn't absolve the Browns from their incredibly messy quarterback situation, but it does give them financial wiggle room to add a quarterback.

It's only a glimmer, but there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Cleveland must make the most of it.