Deshaun Watson, who joined the Cleveland Browns in 2022 after five seasons with the Houston Texans, signed one of the most lucrative deals in NFL history. His contract, worth $230 million over five years, was the largest guaranteed amount ever at the time of signing. Despite this massive contract, injuries and off-field issues have limited his playing time and complicated his career trajectory.
Watson’s total career earnings now reach approximately $234 million, positioning him among the highest-paid players in the league, even though injuries have sidelined him for much of the past four years. His annual income has steadily increased from just over $1 million in 2018 to more than $46 million in 2025, despite spending significant time on injured reserve.
Deshaun Watson’s Career and Earnings Growth
Watson entered the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, quickly becoming their starting quarterback for three seasons. In his 2020 season, he achieved his best performance by throwing for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. However, this peak was followed by a series of setbacks. He has struggled with injuries, including a shoulder injury in 2023 and a season-ending Achilles injury that sidelined him in both 2024 and 2025.
Watson’s on-field contributions for the Browns have been limited, playing only 19 games since joining the team. Despite these limitations, his contract terms have ensured he remains financially rewarded. His earnings for the projected 2026 season are estimated to be around $46 million, showing a remarkable increase compared to his early career earnings.
Browns’ Intent to Restructure Watson’s Contract for Salary Cap Relief
The Cleveland Browns are once again restructuring Deshaun Watson’s contract in a bid to alleviate salary cap pressures. According to a recent ESPN report, the Browns expect this move to free up nearly $36 million in cap space, allowing them to pursue additional players during free agency.
Watson’s time with the Browns has been marked by limited availability, prompting the team to consider this financial adjustment. The restructuring comes as the Browns prepare for a competitive quarterback situation heading into next season, where Watson will face competition from Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. If the Browns add another quarterback before the start of the season, the competition within the team’s quarterback ranks will intensify.
Watson’s long absence from active play adds tension to this competition, creating uncertainty about the team’s future at the quarterback position and Watson’s role moving forward.
Implications for the Browns and Watson’s Future
The financial restructuring of Deshaun Watson’s contract highlights the Browns’ attempt to navigate the challenges posed by his injuries and performance inconsistencies while maintaining roster flexibility. The freed cap space can enable the Browns to strengthen their team through free agency, an essential step given the unpredictability surrounding Watson’s health and readiness.
Watson’s return next season remains a significant point of anticipation and concern, as his performance will be critical in determining whether he can reclaim his status as a top NFL quarterback. Meanwhile, the competition from Sanders and Gabriel makes the Browns’ quarterback room one of the most closely watched in the league during the offseason.
These developments underscore the broader difficulties teams face when managing high-value contracts linked to players with injury histories, casting uncertainty over how Watson’s career and the Browns’ quarterback situation will evolve.
