How much money could Deshaun Watson make if the Cleveland Browns released the injured QB now?
Deshaun Watson walked into the Dawg Pound like a rock star ready to make his dreams come true for the Cleveland Browns. The money gun went off and Cleveland roared with excitement.
Fast forward to 2023 and this is more of a secondary selfie than a tap from Watson.
The Browns, who broke hearts faster than a linebacker blitz, hope Watson’s season ends with a Dr. George dropped the bombshell that it’s over while undergoing shoulder surgery.
Neil Atrash.
The only thing higher than Watson’s profile is the investment the Browns made in his arm.
In other words, good luck bringing some QB magic to the shores of Lake Erie.
But is there a plot twist?
Watson won’t be wearing orange and brown armor anytime soon.
No, take a break from football and leave the Dawg Pound in the wind like a Hail Mary.
Watson’s jersey remains neatly folded in his locker, but the Browns’ pockets are still feeling the financial strain.
It’s a reminder that points are still scored on the sidelines in the paid game.
Heavy break, punch.
Deshaun Watson traded so badly that Scrooge McDuck’s piggy bank looked like pocket change.
The five-year, $230 million contract is a bleak jackpot that includes a hefty signing bonus.
This man was swimming in guaranteed money and made NFL history with a guaranteed money collection that even money-loving dragons would envy.
Fast forward to this week: Watson is not a liability for the Browns this season.
So what’s the damage to the Browns wallet?
Buckle up because Watson’s deal is an anchor for the team’s wallet.
Of course the Browns had space and swam in it like dolphins in the ocean.
But they signed Watson in the offseason, and cutting ties now would seem like setting off a salary cap bomb.
Even if he is included in postseason 1, he is expected to make another $156 million in 2024 and $110 million in 2025.
Now the big question comes to mind.
To act or not to act, that is the network’s dilemma.
Deshaun Watson’s original cap hit was $55 million in the minor leagues, but he will now see his cap hit increase to $64 million over the next few seasons.
It’s not over yet.
In 2027, another $8.984 million is expected to be added. NFL contracts are generally advantageous in that they allow teams to play within the cap rules.
Watson’s contract is not such an arrangement.
Offseason restructuring was originally supposed to be the playbook, but it turned out to be more of a salary cap Rubik’s Cube than a sweet deal. They lowered their 2023 cap hit from $55 million to $19 million.
Thinking of parting ways with Watson next season?
Restless. The Browns will have to pay $138 million in cold, hard cash and bear the brunt of a $210 million tattoo of dead money on the 2024 cap.
It’s a financial blow that hurts more than a blind attack.
What if I decide to change Watson?
First, he must convince another team to agree to a three-year, $138 million contract. Even if we did the impossible, we’d still have about $63 million in dead money in 2024.
This is the Gridiron Series.
