Imagine you’re the guy in ‘Squid Game,’ getting slapped across the face on a subway station while the recruiter slides you an invitation to the real game. That’s what it feels like for Cleveland Browns fans right now.
Just when they thought Deshaun Watson’s contract was headed for a clean exit, the Browns’ front office dropped a bomb — restructuring it to keep him on the roster through 2025.
Now, the franchise might not be getting slapped, but it sure feels like the NFL world is collectively rolling their eyes.
Deshaun Watson’s Contract Restructure
NFL’s ultimate insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on X, revealing that Watson’s contract has been restructured to keep him on the roster through 2025.
The Clemson Tigers standout QB’s reworked deal lightens the salary cap load for a few years, but it also signals Watson’s stay with the Browns in 2024. This move is making waves across the NFL (as it should).
So, what does the contract look like?
Currently, Watson has cap hits of $72.9 million in both 2025 and 2026, with an excellent $172.7 million in dead cap for 2025 (basically making him uncuttable).
Here's what's going on with Deshaun Watson's contract. Right now, he holds cap hits of $72,935,000 in each of 2025 & 2026.
He also holds $172.7M of dead cap in 2025, rendering him "unreleasable".
The Browns are preparing to keep him rostered through 2026, but will need to… pic.twitter.com/g5Hj0f0vwA
— Spotrac (@spotrac) December 27, 2024
The restructure allows the Browns to shift his salary into a signing bonus, alleviating the immediate cap hits but pushing the financial consequences into 2027 and beyond. By moving the void date back and adding dummy salaries for 2027 and 2028, the Browns are setting themselves up to designate Watson as a post-June 1st release in 2027.
Here’s where it gets sticky — when all is said and done, the Browns will be facing about $89.5 million in dead cap in 2027.
Of course, fans were quick to react.
Frustration and Hope After Watson’s Deal Restructure
The Browns’ latest move to restructure Watson’s contract has sparked a tsunami of fan reactions, and let’s just say, they’re not holding back.
One fan summed it up with a gut punch, “Poor Browns Fans. Another season with Watson as your guy has to be depressing as hell.”
Poor Browns Fans. Another season with Watson as your guy has to be depressing as hell.
— Chris Hanover (@ChrisHanov39200) December 27, 2024
Others were quick to put the pressure on, with one fan stating, “Well, it’s win or bust for them next season.” The expectations are sky-high, and if Watson doesn’t deliver, the fallout will be brutal.
Well it’s win or bust for them next season
— Noah (@Golge618) December 27, 2024
Some saw the silver lining.
“That makes sense. He needs to be a starter next year. You’re strapped with him at least one more year. He has potential.” A faint glimmer of hope that Watson can get back on track.
That makes sense. He needs to be a starter next year. You’re strapped with him at least one more year. He has potential.
— His Grace GOAT targaryen (@JasonJDaniel) December 27, 2024
But others weren’t so optimistic.
“The Browns had no choice to make this move as they were never financially able to outright cut him this off-season. Wildly frustrating to see him still on the roster, but it was all the reality. And just because they are paying him, doesn’t automatically make him the starter,” said one fan.
The reality check is hard to ignore — money’s tied up, but performance is still in question.
And the final dagger came with, “Worst contract in the history of time.”
When the cap hits and dead money pile up, some fans think this deal is a nightmare in the making.
In the end, fans are stuck between frustration, hope, and resignation as the Watson saga drags on.