• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Deshaun Watson Likely Won’t Play in 2025. He Has a $172M Dead-Cap Hit

The Browns are doing everything they can to find financial flexibility amid the record $230 million contract for Deshaun Watson, who may never play another snap in Cleveland.

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Browns keep kicking the can down the road, as the NFL franchise attempts to weather the financial impediments of the record contract they gave quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022.

Watson, who is currently rehabbing from a second Achilles surgery in January that was first torn in October, has two seasons remaining on his five-year, $230 million deal—the most lucrative guaranteed contract in NFL history. On Thursday, Cleveland restructured the contract to free up $35.79 million of 2025 salary-cap commitments (all figures via Spotrac).

The Browns are one of several teams that need to get under the $279.2 million cap figure by March 12. After the Watson restructuring, Cleveland now has $12.8 million of cap space, so even more moves will likely be coming.

By converting most of Watson’s $46 million 2025 salary to a signing bonus, the Browns lowered his cap hit this year to $36.9 million but raised his 2026 number to $81.6 million. His dead-cap hit—how much Cleveland would be on the hook for if they cut him—is $172.3 million this year and $135.4 million in 2026. 

That number will be $53.7 million in 2027, when Watson won’t be on the team anymore and the Browns won’t be able to restructure his cap hits. Cleveland could shift some of the $81.6 million cap hit in 2026 to 2027.

Franchise in Flux?

The issues for the Browns run deeper than Watson.

Cleveland owns the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL Draft, which would often be a great chance to select a promising quarterback who plays on a team-friendly rookie contract. However, this year’s class is notably weaker than in previous years, with many experts noting that top prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders would likely not be top-10 picks in other drafts.

Meanwhile, Browns All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett continues to seek a trade, remaining unhappy with the team’s on-field potential. However, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry, who both signed contract extensions in June 2024, have said they want to keep Garrett and don’t intend on moving the franchise player.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hymie Elhai

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.

NFL and College Football TV Ratings Continue to Surge, Especially for CBS

The network’s singleheader coverage Sunday drew huge viewership.
Jonathan Gannon

Cardinals Fine Coach Jonathan Gannon $100K for Striking Player

Demercado made a costly mistake in the Cardinals’ loss to the Titans. 

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.