Can The Browns Cut Deshaun Watson? Examining The QB's Contract And Cleveland's Options In 2025
In March 2022, the Cleveland Browns made a blockbuster trade to acquire controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. The move came with significant fanfare and expectations, but it was met with equal parts excitement and scrutiny due to the sexual misconduct allegations that Watson was facing at the time.
Despite the off-field issues, Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns. The deal made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. However, questions linger about whether the Browns can cut Watson without significant financial repercussions.
Watson's Contract and Salary Cap Implications
Watson's contract is one of the most complex and heavily guaranteed in NFL history. According to OverTheCap, the Browns will owe Watson the following amounts if they release him before the 2025 season:
| Year | Base Salary | Prorated Bonus | Guarantees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1 million | $33 million | $34 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million | $36 million | $37.5 million |
| 2025 | $2 million | $39 million | $41 million |
As the table shows, the Browns would be on the hook for a staggering $72 million in dead money if they cut Watson before the 2025 season. This means that they would have to eat a massive cap hit and potentially jeopardize their ability to sign other players in the future.
Cleveland's Options in 2025
Given the financial implications, it is unlikely that the Browns will cut Watson before the 2025 season. However, they do have some options once the 2024 season ends:
- Negotiate a new contract: The Browns and Watson could agree to a new contract that lowers his salary and cap hit. This would allow the Browns to save money while keeping Watson on the roster.
- Trade Watson: If the Browns are unable to reach an agreement with Watson on a new contract, they could trade him to another team. However, finding a trade partner will likely be difficult given Watson's off-field issues and hefty contract.
- Release Watson: As a last resort, the Browns could release Watson and eat the $41 million dead cap hit. This would give them financial flexibility but would also leave them with a huge hole at quarterback.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to cut Deshaun Watson is a complex one for the Cleveland Browns. The team must weigh the financial implications, Watson's on-field performance, and the potential impact on their roster. While it is unlikely that the Browns will cut Watson before the 2025 season, they do have some options once the 2024 season ends. Ultimately, the Browns' decision will depend on Watson's performance, the team's overall salary cap situation, and the availability of other quarterback options.
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Can The Browns Cut Deshaun Watson? Examining The QB's Contract And Cleveland's Options In 2025