Browns adjust Deshaun Watson's contract to allow for flexibility with plans to keep him in 2025

[Auggie]

nfl.com

The Browns have agreed to terms on a restructured contract for quarterback Deshaun Watson with an adjustment aimed at easing future salary cap burden and signaling Watson is expected to be on Cleveland's roster next season, sources say.

The new deal doesn't affect Watson's 2025 contract, but it does solidify Cleveland's plans for the QB.

Watson, who is recovering from a torn Achilles and will have missed 21 games due to injury over the last two seasons, is still due $92 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, and that has not changed, nor did Watson take any less money or give up any of his guaranteed salary. The new parameters of the deal would make his contract easier to manage following the 2026 season, when his deal expires.

The Browns have not publicly stated their plans for Watson, and sources also say it would make sense to bring in another QB -- whether that's a younger player, current backup Jameis Winston, or another veteran to add competition to the position.

LINK: https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-adjust-deshaun-watson-contract-flexibility-plans-keep-him-2025

More from the link:

The Browns have also protected themselves when it comes to Watson. According to "sources," Cleveland has insured his contract, which allows it to get salary cap relief for the time he's missed over the past two years because of injury. Some teams insure the guaranteed amounts of veteran contracts and into the future; the Browns will also likely have an insurance policy to protect their downside in case of injury. This is not uncommon apparently -- other teams do it as well.

So, Browns fans, there exists a little hope the team can find a reliable starting QB for 2025.