Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

What Deshaun Watson's restructured contract means for Browns

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 3/13/23

The Browns signed QB Deshaun Watson to a record-setting five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract a year ago. Monday, the team restructured that contract, hinting at its plans for free agency.

The move creates nearly $36 million in cap space just hours before the tampering period begins and proves Cleveland is preparing to have an aggressive offseason once again.

The #Browns have restructured QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, creating nearly $36M in cap space, source said. The cap conversion gives plenty of room for Cleveland to work in free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023

The Browns have already been linked to a number of veteran free agents as they look to rebound after finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs in 2022. Bengals safety Jessie Bates and Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are just two impact players who have mentioned. With Watson's restructured contract, Cleveland should be able to sign whoever they'd like.

Watson didn't have the comeback he imagined in 2022, throwing for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions. Maybe with a few more pieces around him, he will be able to get back to playing the quality of football he did in 2020 when he led the NFL in passing yards (4,823).

The 2023 season will be telling for the team's future. Watson's cap hit for next season is just over $19 million but its nearly $64 million in the following years.

Deshaun Watson's cap conversion with the #Browns opens up $35,868,000 of space for 2023, adjusting his future cap hits to:

2023: $19.125M
2024: $63.96M
2025: $63.96M
2026: $63.96M
2027: $8.967M (void)https://t.co/L9KytIlCpt
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 13, 2023

The Browns gave Watson their vote of confidence and now its time for him to deliver. If Cleveland can't find its winning formula now, it will be even more difficult in the years to come.

The time for the Browns to make the necessary roster upgrades is now.

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