Cleveland Browns Utilize $200M Clause in Deshaun Watson's Contract as He Named Starting QB
The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the regular season with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback. His contract includes a significant financial mechanism that could influence the team's future decisions.
According to salary cap expert Michael Ginnitti, Watson's contract features a poison pill clause that guarantees a $200 million salary if he remains on the roster by March 13, 2027. This clause allows the Browns to designate him for a Post 6/1 release before that date, which would split the remaining dead cap into $34.6 million for 2027 and $51.5 million for 2028. However, releasing Watson early would result in an unprecedented dead cap penalty of $86.2 million for 2027, surpassing the current record.
Watson's current deal is a five-year, $230 million contract that was restructured in 2023, providing the Browns with approximately $88.781 million in cap flexibility through structured credits. He is guaranteed a $46 million salary for the 2026 season, regardless of his playing status. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson's starting position for the upcoming season, emphasizing his potential to lead the offense effectively.
