This offseason is expected to be a crucial one for the Cleveland Browns. The AFC North team has several pressing issues to address, and the first major decision has already been made: the future of Deshaun Watson.
Recent years have been tough for the Browns. They have struggled to find a reliable quarterback to lead them to success, and Deshaun Watson has become the latest disappointment in their ongoing search.
Rumors had been swirling about whether Cleveland would move on from Watson in 2025. Now, the team has made a surprising decision that confirms his future.
Browns make stunning move regarding Deshaun Watson’s future
In 2022, the Browns pulled off one of the most shocking trades in recent NFL history. They acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in exchange for multiple draft picks, including three first-round selections.
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The move was highly controversial, as Watson was facing a league suspension at the time. His tenure in Cleveland got off to a rough start, and the struggles have continued ever since.
Watson has failed to live up to expectations as a franchise quarterback, with only one playoff appearance in 2023. Many believed this offseason would mark the end of his time in Cleveland, but the team has now made a decision regarding his future.
On Thursday, the Browns restructured Watson’s contract. ESPN’s Field Yates reported that Cleveland converted $44 million of Watson’s 2025 base salary into a signing bonus while adding a void year to the deal for 2029.
Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
This move creates nearly $36 million in cap space, but despite the restructuring, the Browns will enter the 2025 offseason with just $13 million available to spend when free agency begins next week.
Will the Browns start Deshaun Watson in 2025?
The Browns currently hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and many analysts believe they will use it to select a quarterback—one they hope will finally solve their long-standing issues at the position.
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If Cleveland does draft a quarterback, Watson could be relegated to a backup role and serve as a mentor for the rookie. He is still recovering from a torn Achilles, further reducing his chances of starting next season.
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