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When Deshaun Watson’s Browns Contract Ends and What He Is Owed
The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener, citing his experience over rookie Shedeur Sanders. Watson's guaranteed $46 million salary and a contractual poison pill make his release all but certain after the season, leaving the franchise to navigate a massive dead cap hit.
The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener, a decision announced Monday by head coach Todd Monken. The move ends a prolonged competition with rookie Shedeur Sanders that stretched through the offseason, training camp, and the preseason.
Monken said he evaluated the full body of work over that span before choosing Watson. "I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points," he said. "I felt that way going into the last game, but wasn't sure. And after we talked as a staff and we re-looked at everything, we're going to go that direction."
Few expected Watson to reclaim the starting job after a turbulent stretch in Cleveland. The 10-year veteran ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a Week 7 game in 2024, an injury that required two surgeries and sidelined him for all of last season. That followed an 11-game suspension in 2022 for alleged sexual misconduct and a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023. Since arriving in 2022, Watson has started just 19 games, posting a 9-10 record with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and an 80.7 passer rating.
Owner Jimmy Haslam previously described the trade that sent three first-round picks to Houston as "a big swing and a miss."
The Financial Trap
Watson's contract — a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal signed in 2022 — has been restructured multiple times to manage salary-cap implications. In March, the Browns converted nearly all of Watson's $46 million salary into bonus money, creating close to $36 million in cap space without reducing what he collects. According to Over the Cap, Watson carries a $40.96 million cap charge and a $46 million cash payout for 2026, with a remaining base salary of $1.3 million.
That $46 million is owed regardless of whether Watson starts, serves as backup, or is inactive. The Browns have no realistic route to moving on from him before this final season of his fully guaranteed contract; benching him and continuing to pay him remains their most practical option if the decision goes south.
A contractual "poison pill" included in a December 2024 restructure all but guarantees Watson's departure after the season. As detailed by former NFL agent Joel Corry, two voiding years in 2027 and 2028 were converted into real contract years with minimum salaries, and Watson has a base salary of $200 million in 2029 that becomes fully guaranteed if he is on the roster by the third day of the 2027 league year. The Browns must cut him before March 13, 2027 to avoid that trigger.
By March of next year, the Browns will have paid Watson the full $230 million. Releasing him would result in an $86.2 million dead cap hit — the second-largest in NFL history, behind only the $99.2 million the Dolphins absorbed when they released Tua Tagovailoa. A post-June 1 release would split that between $34.7 million in 2027 and $51.5 million in 2028. The contract's cap ramifications extend through 2030. The Browns could also follow the path the Houston Texans took in 2021, keeping Watson on the roster and paying him without playing.
Sanders and the Long Game
The decision leaves Shedeur Sanders, who earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie, as the backup. Analysts have suggested the Browns may look to draft a new quarterback in 2027, and the team has emphasized to Sanders that they are playing "the long game" with his development.
Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Browns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian praised his offseason progress: "He's done a great job of defining his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, working his butt off to really master his craft."
Haslam noted Sanders' dedication, saying, "He's been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be an NFL quarterback."
Monken said Sanders has come to understand the long game, and the quarterback split first-team reps throughout the offseason. In the preseason, Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the first half against Buffalo, and was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception against the Bears. Watson struggled in the same Buffalo game, completing 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with an interception against backup defenders, leading to boos from the home crowd.
Monken insisted that fan sentiment and Watson's postgame comments played no role in his decision: "Absolutely not. Zero. There was nothing to do with that."
Watson, who called the boos "personal" and "disrespectful," opened his Monday press conference with an apology. "I thought I was going to get a little different response. But I think my emotions got the best of me," he said, adding that he acknowledged the organization's investment and that things haven't gone in the right direction, and that he needed to earn back respect and take full responsibility.
Watson has expressed love for Cleveland and hasn't ruled out remaining beyond 2026, noting he and his wife have a house on the east side. But the contract's structure makes that hard to envision.
What's Next
The Browns open the season Sept. 13 at Jacksonville, where Watson has a 7-1 career record. His last win with Cleveland was an 18-13 victory over the Jaguars on Sept. 15, 2024. After Jacksonville, the Browns travel to Tampa Bay on Sept. 20 to face former quarterback Baker Mayfield, then host Carolina on Sept. 27. Watson and Sanders will not play in the final preseason game against the Patriots, with Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green set to get snaps.
As the season unfolds, the Browns face a difficult reality: Watson's guaranteed money and the poison pill make his departure after 2026 nearly inevitable, no matter how he performs. As one analysis put it, if Watson plays well, he has no future with the team; if he doesn't, he has no future either.
How each outlet told it
Associated Press
Framing: Headline states the decision factually, without evaluation, focusing on the announcement. — Neutral and factual, e.g., 'Not many thought Deshaun Watson had a chance of reclaiming the starting quarterback job.'
Facts Included:
Deshaun Watson named Browns' starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders.
Coach Todd Monken made the announcement Monday.
Watson's Achilles injury in Week 7 of 2024.
Jimmy Haslam said the Browns took a 'big swing and miss' in trading three first-round picks to Houston.
Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday's 31-7 loss to Buffalo.
Watson called boos from the crowd 'personal' and showed 'disrespect.'
The opener is Sept. 13 at Jacksonville Jaguars.
Monken said Watson 'gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points.'
Watson split reps with Sanders throughout offseason, training camp, and preseason.
Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired, signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Watson is 9-10 with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and an 80.7 passer rating.
In 2022, Watson missed the first 11 games due to suspension for alleged sexual misconduct.
Watson made six starts in 2023 before a season-ending shoulder injury and started seven in 2024 before the first Achilles injury.
Watson apologized for his comments: 'It was never intended to go at a certain person, fan base or a certain crowd.'
Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and directed two scoring drives in the preseason opener at Chicago.
Watson said he and Monken haven't showcased his full talent and ability to run.
Watson has a 7-1 record against the Jaguars.
Last win with Browns was 18-13 over Jacksonville on Sept. 15, 2024.
Upcoming schedule: at Tampa Bay on Sept. 20 against Baker Mayfield, home vs. Carolina on Sept. 27.
Sanders started final seven games as rookie, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Sanders went 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception against Bills, including an interception by Damar Hamlin.
Sanders was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception against Bears.
Monken said Sanders understood 'the long game.'
Watson and Sanders will not play in final preseason game against Patriots; Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green will get snaps.
Framing: Headline focuses on the contract and why the Browns will cut Watson in 2027, framing the decision as bizarre. — Sarcastic and critical, e.g., 'That's good work if you can get it.'
Facts Included:
The Browns named Deshaun Watson starting quarterback, and the article says he likely doesn't have a future with the team.
Due to the contract structure, the Browns will almost certainly release Watson in March.
The Browns gave Watson a five-year, $230 million contract in 2022.
The Browns restructured the contract multiple times.
There is a poison pill clause from a December 2024 restructure.
Former NFL agent Joel Corry laid out details in February.
Watson had two dummy/voiding years in 2027 and 2028 turned into real contract years with minimum salaries.
Watson has a base salary of $200 million in 2029 that is not guaranteed but becomes fully guaranteed if he's on the roster by the third day of the 2027 league year.
The Browns must cut Watson before March 13, 2027 to avoid the $200 million.
The Browns will have paid Watson $230 million by March.
If Watson plays well, he has no future; if he doesn't, he has no future.
Releasing Watson will result in an $86.2 million dead cap hit, second-largest in NFL history.
NFL record is $99.2 million by Dolphins for Tua Tagovailoa.
Post-June 1 release would split dead cap: 2027: $34.7 million, 2028: $51.5 million.
Watson has made $184 million for 19 starts, going 9-10, which translates to $20.4 million per win.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the contract's end and what Watson is owed, focusing on financials rather than the QB competition. — Neutral and factual, e.g., 'The move created close to $36 million in immediate cap space without reducing what Watson will collect.'
Facts Included:
Watson is scheduled to receive $46 million in guaranteed compensation in 2026, the final year of his five-year, $230 million contract signed in 2022.
The Browns restructured the contract in March, converting nearly all of Watson's $46 million salary into bonus money, creating close to $36 million in cap space.
According to Over the Cap, Watson carries a $40.96 million cap charge and a $46 million cash payout for 2026, with remaining base salary of $1.3 million.
Watson is under contract through the end of the 2026 season and becomes a free agent in 2027.
Additional years are void years for cap accounting.
Watson missed all of last season after two surgeries on a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Browns are weighing Watson against Shedeur Sanders.
Watson's compensation is guaranteed regardless of whether he starts or is benched.
The Browns are expected to separate from Watson with a post-June 1 designation in 2027.
Watson has made 19 regular-season starts, posting a 9-10 record, completing 61.2% of passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Watson expressed love for Cleveland and said he hasn't ruled out remaining beyond 2026, with quotes about his house on the east side.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the financial 'poison pill' and the QB1 decision, focusing on the contract trap. — Analytical and neutral, e.g., 'The Browns are not preparing to bury Watson yet.'
Facts Included:
The Browns have no realistic route to moving on from Watson before the final season of his fully guaranteed contract.
If the decision to start Watson goes south, the Browns' most practical option would be to bench and continue paying him rather than release or trade.
Cleveland restructured Watson's contract for a fourth consecutive year, converting most of his $46 million salary into a bonus, lowering cap charge to approximately $41 million.
Spotrac highlighted a contractual 'poison pill' - if Watson remains on roster on March 13, a $200 million salary becomes fully guaranteed.
The $200 million is not on top of the $230 million deal but a tripwire to force release.
Browns must terminate Watson's contract by the due date and designate post-June 1 release to divide $86.2 million in dead money as $34.7 million in 2027 and $51.5 million in 2028.
Watson entitled to $46 million this season regardless of starting.
Mentioned the Texans' 2021 path where Watson collected salary without playing.
Monken named Watson starter over Shedeur Sanders on Monday.
Quotes Monken's full reasoning: 'Deshaun is going to start against Jacksonville...'
Watson struggled in 31-7 loss to Bills, completing 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with an interception.
Watson was booed and called the reception 'personal' and 'disrespectful.'
Monken said those comments had no influence, quote: 'Absolutely not. Zero. There was nothing to do with that.'
Watson apologized, opening his Monday press conference with an apology.
Watson said, 'I thought I was going to get a little different response. But I think my emotions got the best of me...'
Watson acknowledged the organization's investment and that things haven't gone in the right direction.
Watson said he had to earn back respect and take full responsibility.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the Browns are losing not just games but more by starting Watson, framing it as a disaster. — Outraged and critical, e.g., 'The second was a giant middle finger to fans who have stuck around through decades of losing and debasement.'
Facts Included:
First-year head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback on Monday.
Watson gave an out-of-touch postgame press conference calling Browns fans 'disrespectful' for booing him.
The Browns have churned through 42 starting quarterbacks in the last quarter century, went 1-31 over two seasons, haven't won a division title since 1989.
The Browns traded for Watson in 2022 and gave him a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
Watson faced an 11-game suspension in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct.
Watson was statistically one of the worst quarterbacks in 2022 and 2023.
Watson tore his Achilles tendon (twice) in 2024.
Jimmy Haslam admitted the Watson trade was a 'swing and a miss.'
Watson has played just 19 games, completing 61% of passes, held the ball longer than all but one quarterback from 2022-2024, took 70 sacks, and had surgeries.
Last spring the Browns signed Joe Flacco, traded for Kenny Pickett, and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Flacco and Pickett were traded away by mid-October.
The Browns went 3-5 with Sanders to close last season, and he ranked last in EPA per dropback (−0.21).
Watson's dead cap hit is $86.2 million.
Fans trolled from cars on Lou Groza Boulevard.
Monken claimed Watson gives the Browns the best chance to win.
Watson went 5-of-12 for 36 yards and an interception against Bills backups.
The Browns would take on $86.2 million in dead cap if they cut Watson before the season.
The contract has cap ramifications through 2030.
If cut, the Browns could spread dead cap, as the Dolphins did with Tua Tagovailoa and the Broncos with Russell Wilson.
Framing: Headline is not available as it was not captured in the source text. — Optimistic and supportive of Sanders, e.g., 'it might turn out to be the smartest thing that happened to his career.'
Facts Included:
Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson Week 1 starter Monday.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the decision 'truly came down to the end.'
Shedeur Sanders earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie.
Watson is owed $46 million guaranteed in 2026.
Browns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian praised Sanders' development: 'He's done a great job of defining his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, working his butt off to really master his craft.'
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam noted Sanders spent the winter in Cleveland: 'He's been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication.'
Sanders threw seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions across seven starts as a rookie.
Analysts noted the Browns will likely look to draft a new quarterback in 2027.
Per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Browns emphasized to Sanders they were playing 'the long game' with his development.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener on Monday.
ClaimBrowns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian praised Shedeur Sanders' development, saying, 'He's done a great job of defining his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, working his butt off to really master his craft.'
ClaimBrowns owner Jimmy Haslam noted that Shedeur Sanders spent most of the winter in Cleveland, saying, 'He's been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication.'
ClaimThe Browns restructured Watson's contract in March 2026, converting most of his $46 million salary into a bonus and creating about $36 million in cap space.
ClaimAccording to Over the Cap, Watson has a $40.96 million cap charge and a $46 million cash payout for 2026, with a remaining base salary of $1.3 million.
ClaimWatson has made 19 regular-season starts for the Browns, posting a 9-10 record while completing 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
ClaimWatson played just 19 games since the trade, completing 61% of his passes, held the ball longer than all but one quarterback from 2022 to 2024, and took 70 sacks.
ClaimWatson has a base salary of $200 million in 2029 that is not guaranteed but becomes fully guaranteed if he's on the roster by the third day of the 2027 league year.
ClaimIf the decision to start Watson goes south, the Browns' most practical option would be to bench him and continue paying him rather than release or trade.
ClaimThe Browns could follow the path the Houston Texans took in 2021 if the relationship deteriorates, keeping Watson on the roster and paying him without playing.