The Cleveland Browns are making strategic moves ahead of this year's NFL draft, where they hold the second overall pick. Speculation is mounting that the team will target a quarterback with its first selection. This comes as the Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, effectively clearing nearly $36 million in salary cap space. Watson's contract, a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million agreement, originally had $46 million owed in each of the next two seasons.
Watson, who is currently rehabbing at the Browns' practice facility in Berea, Ohio, re-tore his right Achilles tendon and is expected to miss significant time during the 2025 season. Despite his high-profile acquisition, which cost Cleveland three first-round draft picks from the Houston Texans, Watson has only played in 19 games for the Browns. Prior to his season-ending injury, he posted the lowest Total QBR in the NFL.
The restructuring of Watson's contract, converting portions of his salary into a signing bonus, is not new for the Browns. This financial maneuvering has been executed multiple times to manage cap space effectively. Before this latest adjustment, Cleveland was approximately $22 million over the cap. The team is also expected to gain some cap relief through an insurance policy on Watson's contract, although they still owe him $92 million.
Cleveland's general manager, Andrew Berry, has remained optimistic about the team's financial flexibility. He stated that the restructured contract will "not be prohibitive for us to do things if the opportunity presents itself." This sentiment underscores the Browns' continued ambition in free agency and roster improvements despite Watson's financial commitments.
Amid these financial adjustments, Cleveland is actively evaluating future prospects. The team is hosting top quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders for top-30 visits this week. These visits further fuel speculation that the Browns may be looking to secure a new quarterback to bolster their lineup.
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