Browns restructure Watson's deal to create $35.8M in cap space

The Cleveland Browns restructured Deshaun Watson's contract to create $35.8 million in cap space, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The move helps Cleveland get cap-compliant ahead of the new league year. The Browns were $23.2 million over the salary cap prior to the restructure, per Over the Cap.

Restructuring the contract lowers Watson's cap hit for 2025 by converting a portion of his salary into a signing bonus. The bonus is spread across future years on his contract for cap purposes, increasing his future cap hits. The 29-year-old is under contract through 2027 and has three void years on his deal, according to Over the Cap.

Watson struggled in seven games during the 2024 campaign. He completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games. The Clemson product has thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 scores, and 12 picks in 19 contests since signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230-million deal with the Browns ahead of the 2022 season.