Cleveland’s Contract Conundrum: Breaking Records for All the Wrong Reasons
So, here’s the scoop from Cleveland: the Browns are diving headfirst into a financial fiasco that just keeps getting wilder. And surprise, surprise, it all revolves around quarterback Deshaun Watson. The team has recently decided to make some questionable moves that essentially make this guyโs contract look like a ticking time bomb for their salary cap.
Turning Salary into Signing Bonuses
On Thursday, Cleveland announced a significant contract restructure that converts a whopping $44.79 million of Watsonโs salary cap space this season into a signing bonus. What does that even mean? Well, it frees up $35.83 million in cap space for this season, according to reports. Now, that sounds great in the short term, but it leaves the Browns with more than $62 million in available cap space, the highest in the NFL. A bit late in the game to fill that space, donโt you think?
The clever plan seems to be rolling over that cap space into next year. However, the Browns might have to rethink their strategy because theyโre already projected to be $66 million over the cap for 2024. And let’s not forget about the New Orleans Saints, who are in an even worse predicament with $94 million over the cap!
Watson’s Wild Numbers
As if things couldn’t get more insane, Watsonโs contract has just ballooned even further. Originally, they handed him a record-breaking, fully guaranteed $230 million deal, and he hasnโt even been able to get past the almost constant *suspension and controversies* surrounding his name. After the two restructures, Watson is now staring down a $72.9 million cap hit for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. To top it all off, thereโs an additional $26.9 million in void dead cap for 2027. Yikes!
Dead Money Alert!
If youโre still trying to wrap your head around this mess, hereโs where it gets really dicey. The term โdead capโ usually makes fans nervous, and for good reason. If the Browns decide to cut Watson in 2025, they could be looking at a staggering $172 million in dead cap hits, and it doesnโt get any better in 2026 with $99 million. Just to give you an idea of how much that is, the current record for most dead money incurred belongs to the Broncos, who suffered an $85 million hit after they parted ways with Russell Wilson. The Browns are certainly setting a new benchmark here!
No Silver Linings
You might think this kind of investment would pay off, but, spoiler alert: it hasnโt. Watson has been less than stellar since joining the team. After missing 11 games in his first year due to suspension, he made a disappointing return. Sure, the Browns finished with a 5-1 record in games he played, but donโt let that fool you; the guyโs stats were subpar, and injuries kept him off the field for much of the season. Talk about a missed opportunity, especially when backup Joe Flacco was busy becoming a hometown hero during Watsonโs absence.
Looking Ahead
Now, heading into his third year with the team, Watson is yet again facing a shoulder issue after lukewarm reviews during training camp. The situation raises eyebrows, especially since he hasnโt quite found his groove in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s playbook. Cleveland is stuck in a tough spot, hoping that the playmaker who once shined with the Houston Texans emerges from the shadows.
In the grand scheme of things, the Browns are steering a precarious ship full of financial chaos and unresolved player performance issues. The next few seasons will be critical as they navigate these murky waters and hope for a potential turnaround before it all goes south.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
