Browns release Huntley, restructure Watson's contract

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns are releasing quarterback Tyler Huntley, who was signed as a free agent in March after the team was ravaged by injuries last season and started five QBs.

Huntley became the odd-man out after second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had a strong camp and preseason. Thompson-Robinson made three starts and played in eight games as a rookie.

Heading into Thursday, the Browns had four QBs on their initial 53-man roster: Huntley, Thompson-Robinson, Jameis Winston and Deshaun Watson.

Huntley threw three touchdown passes last week in Cleveland's exhibition finale.

As they maneuver their roster, the Browns are also restructuring Watson's contract for the third time. Cleveland is converting $44.79 million of Watson’s $46 million base salary this season into a signing bonus.

The move will open over $35 million in salary-cap space.

Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract over five years with the Browns in 2022, agreeing to the deal after initially turning down Cleveland's offers.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry and his staff have made a habit of redoing deals with top players in recent years to give the team financial flexibility.

Huntley, 26, signed a one-year deal at the league minimum with Cleveland after being Lamar Jackson's primary backup in Baltimore the past three seasons. He went 3-7 in 10 starts for the Ravens.

Huntley will likely land somewhere else as teams look to protect themselves at the game's most vital position.

No team was hit harder last season at QB than the Browns, who only had Watson for six starts before he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. In November, Cleveland signed free agent Joe Flacco, who went 4-1 in five starts and got the Browns to the playoffs.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl