Browns shuffle Deshaun Watson's $44,790,000 contract for additional cap space: Report

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson is entering his third season with the Browns.

Cleveland acquired Watson in 2022 to be its starting quarterback. The Browns traded first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as a third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024.

After the trade, Cleveland signed a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million deal. Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Browns restructured Watson's contract to give Cleveland more cap space.

"The Browns have restructured the contract of QB Deshaun Watson, converting $44.79M of his 2024 base salary into a signing bonus and creating $35.832M in cap space, per source. Cleveland now has over $62M in cap space, the most in the entire NFL," Field Yates reported.

By restructuring Watson's contract, Cleveland now has $62 million in cap space, the most in the NFL. Where the Browns are planning to use the cap space is uncertain, but Cleveland can make a major splash if it chose to.

Watson has three years left on his contract.

Watson went 105-for-171 for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions in six starts for the Browns in 2023.

Browns coach 'very confident' in Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson is entering his third year with the Browns - Source: Imagn

Deshaun Watson dealt with a shoulder injury last season and he missed some time during training camp as he recovers from the injury.

The Browns decided to rest Watson in the preseason games. However, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said he's very confident with how his quarterback is entering the 2024 season.

"With Deshaun, with considerations to the guys who were out on offense – not just the offensive line – but just didn't feel like it would be best to put him out there in this setting," Stefanski said, via ClevelandBrowns.com. "Very confident in the amount of work he's gotten to date throughout the spring and summer, and he'll be ready to roll Week 1."

The Browns do have options behind Watson if he isn't healthy. Cleveland has Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley in the quarterback room.

Watson is expected to start in Week 1 for Cleveland when the Browns host the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8. Cleveland will then go on the road to play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.