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Browns Rework QB Watson’s Huge Contract
Source: Nick Cammett / Getty
Cleveland Frees Up $35 Million In Cap Space
The Cleveland Browns made two quarterback moves today. One of them saves the team a ton of money… for now.
The Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract for the third consecutive year. Watson signed a $230 million fully guaranteed five-year deal with the Browns in 2022.
In today’s move, Cleveland converted $44.79 million of Watson’s $46 million base salary into a signing bonus.
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From FOX 8:
Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract over five years with the Browns in 2022, agreeing to the deal after initially turning down Cleveland’s offers.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry and his staff have made a habit of redoing deals with top players in recent years to give the team financial flexibility.
In other quarterback news, the Cleveland Browns have released backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley signed with the Browns as a free agent in March after being in the Baltimore Ravens organization for three years.
With Huntley’s departure, the Browns will keep three quarterbacks on the roster: Watson, Jameis Winston, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Thompson-Robinson started three games for Cleveland last season and played well enough this preseason to secure the team’s third QB spot.
While the team is recognized as having one of the better football rosters, there are still a few questions about key positions. Cleveland’s offensive line, running back room and backup tight ends could be tightened up.
The Browns open the season on September 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.
