There will be a QB competition in Cleveland next season, and Deshaun Watson will be involved.
The Browns and their quarterback have agreed to terms on a contract restructure, which will ease the burden on the team’s salary cap, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
Additionally, Rapoport said because of the restructuring, Watson is expected to remain with the Browns next season.
According to NFL Network colleague Tom Pelissero, the adjustment doesn’t impact his $73 million cap hit in 2025, but will instead let the team spread the cap hit at the end of the contract, which expires after 2026. He added that it’s a strong sign Watson will be in Cleveland for two more years at least.
Watson has been sidelined since Week 7 after suffering a ruptured Achilles in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Even before he was injured, however, Watson was struggling behind centre, leading the team to a 1-6 record with 1,148 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
The 29-year-old has missed 21 games with injuries over the last two seasons and has only suited up for 19 games since joining Cleveland via trade before the 2022 season. He missed 11 games in 2022 after being suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy.
Cleveland signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract after acquiring him from the Houston Texans in 2022.
The Browns are currently 3-12 and sit fourth in the AFC North. They’re slated to get a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could open the possibility of the team selecting his replacement.
They’re slated to close their season against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Week 17, then the division rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.