The Cleveland Browns finally made a move to address Deshaun Watson’s contract situation. The former Clemson standout has been of little use to the team due to persistent injuries and off-field sexual assault allegations.
One could argue the Browns did themselves no favors by signing Watson to a then-record five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract immediately after trading for him in March 2022. Now, they are trying to make financial adjustments — or, as Pat McAfee put it, “kicking the can down the road.”
Pat McAfee Unhappy After Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson’s Contract
On Thursday, Spotrac updated fans on a newly restructured deal between the Browns and Watson. The team converted $44.745 million of Watson’s 2025 salary into a signing bonus, creating nearly $36 million in cap space for the 2024 season.
While this move provides short-term financial relief, it also pushes more dead money into future seasons. According to Spotrac, Cleveland’s adjusted cap hits for Watson now look like this:
2025: $36.9 million ($172.3 million dead cap)
2026: $81.6 million ($135.4 million dead cap)
2027: $53.7 million (void year)
While the restructure gives the team flexibility to make roster moves, McAfee believes it’s merely delaying the inevitable.
“Opening up $36 million in cap space is obviously a big move,” McAfee said on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“But are they inevitably just kicking the can down the road even further? Yes, it does feel like that. At some point, they will have to pay the piper, including in the upcoming seasons. Still, they are trying to make moves and win games, AJ Hawk, even though they have the worst contract in history on the books with a player who may not even play for them.”
The Cleveland Browns have restructured Deshaun Watson's contract..
This move creates $35.79M of cap space #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/yZedcvFHz6
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 6, 2025
Watson’s Rocky Tenure With the Browns
When the Browns traded for Watson in March 2022, they had no idea how turbulent his time in Cleveland would be.
In his first season with the team, Watson was suspended for six games due to sexual misconduct allegations. Following an appeal to extend the suspension, the NFL and NFLPA reached a settlement that resulted in an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine. The Browns finished that season with a 7-10 record.
In 2023, Watson started strong, leading the team to a 5-1 record before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 10. He underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his throwing shoulder.
A fully recovered Watson started the 2024 season but struggled early, going 1-6 in his first seven games. His season was cut short again after suffering an Achilles tear in a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. In January, he underwent surgery and is expected to return in 2025, though he will likely miss the start of the season.