Browns Struggle With Deshaun Watson's Record-Breaking Cap Hit

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The Cleveland Browns are facing a complex quarterback situation after trading for Deshaun Watson in 2022 and signing him to a record-breaking $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Watson's $80.7 million pre-restructure cap hit for 2026 was the largest single-season charge in NFL history, though the team was able to reduce it to around $45 million through a contract restructure. However, the Browns are now saddled with massive dead cap charges in future years. Meanwhile, rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had a historically poor debut, completing just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards. The Browns' quarterback competition this offseason has been more about managing the cap than evaluating talent, with no clear path forward at the position.

Why it matters

The Browns' handling of the Deshaun Watson contract has created a complex and challenging situation for the team, with massive cap implications that will limit their ability to address other roster needs. The quarterback position remains in flux, with no clear long-term solution, and the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz further complicates the team's outlook. This story highlights the risks of fully guaranteed contracts and the importance of cap management in the NFL.

The details

The Browns traded three first-round picks to acquire Watson in 2022 and signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. After Watson missed the entire 2025 season due to Achilles injuries, the Browns restructured his deal four times, including a March 2026 move that reduced his 2026 cap hit from a record $80.7 million to around $45 million. However, this has created massive dead cap charges in future years, with the team facing $86.2 million in dead money when they eventually release Watson. Meanwhile, rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had a historically bad debut, completing just 25% of his passes for 47 yards, the worst performance in 41 years. The Browns' quarterback competition this offseason has been more about managing the cap than evaluating talent, with no clear path forward at the position.

• The Browns traded for Deshaun Watson in March 2022.
• Watson missed the entire 2025 season due to Achilles injuries.
• The Browns restructured Watson's contract four times, including in March 2026 to reduce his 2026 cap hit.
• Shedeur Sanders had his historically bad NFL debut in November 2025.
• Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resigned on February 6, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Browns will have to decide whether to start Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback in 2026, with the massive cap implications of the Watson contract looming over the decision. The team also faces the challenge of replacing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who resigned in February 2026.