Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson's Contract for Cap Space

The move clears $35.76 million in cap room ahead of the new league year.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 2:54pm

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The Cleveland Browns are restructuring quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract on Friday, clearing $35.76 million in salary cap space ahead of the new NFL league year beginning next week. Watson's original 2026 cap charge was set to be $80.72 million, but the restructure will lower that number.

Why it matters

The Browns are making this move to create more financial flexibility as they look to build their roster for the upcoming season. Watson is entering the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year deal with the team, but the multiple restructures mean Cleveland will be paying for his contract long after this season.

The details

Watson is currently expected to compete for the Browns' starting quarterback role in 2026, coming off a twice-torn Achilles injury. He has played in just 19 games for Cleveland since the team acquired him during the 2022 offseason, with the team going 9-10 in those contests.

  • The Browns are restructuring Watson's contract on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Watson's original 2026 cap charge was set to be $80.72 million.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback who is entering the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year deal with the team.

Mary Kay Cabot

A reporter for Cleveland.com who reported on the Browns' plans to restructure Watson's contract.

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What’s next

The Browns will have more cap flexibility to build their roster for the 2026 season after the restructure.

The takeaway

The Browns are making this move to create more financial flexibility as they look to build their roster for the upcoming season, but the multiple restructures of Watson's contract mean the team will be paying for his deal long after this year.