Deshaun Watson’s Salary Cap Hit For Cleveland Browns Sets New NFL Record

The Cleveland Browns traded Deshaun Watson last offseason, despite him facing over 30 accusations of sexual harassment and/or assault. They not only acquired Watson but also gave him a home. ridiculous contract extension.

He signed a $230.5 million, five-year contract that was fully guaranteed. Watson was also protected by the contract from any potential loss of money due to suspension.

Following a appeal for a six game suspension, Deshaun was ultimately suspended by the league Available for 11 Games. Watson was penalized $5 million by the NFL. He also lost $650,000 in salary. The Browns designed Watson’s contract so that his salary base was $1,000,000 last season.

Suspension would only affect his base salary, so he would lose 11/17 of his base salary. NFL executives We were furious at the contract structureHowever, the Browns made it happen anyway.

Watson’s contract is positive for him but not for the Browns.

His salary cap number — which takes into account far more than base salary — will be nearly $55 million. This is an NFL record.

Deshaun Watson has cost the Cleveland Browns a lot of money in more ways than one

This is outrageous for a player like Deshaun Watson. For a moment, let’s not talk about the allegations of sexual misconduct.

Focusing on football is a bad investment. After his suspension, Watson played six games. He wasn’t very good.

Watson finished less than 60% of his passes and had seven touchdowns, five interceptions and a team record of 3-3.

These are six NFL games that he’s played since 2020. SIX starts over the last two seasons.

The NFL has increased its salary cap to record $224.8 million for 2023-24 season. This was an increase from $208 million last season.

It is likely that the Browns knew the cap was set up for a large increase and were willing to make the deal. Watson will be outdone by other quarterbacks who are due huge extensions (like Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, for instance).

These are young quarterbacks that have been successful in the past few years. Deshaun Watson is 27 years old and hasn’t played at a high level since 2020 — which will be nearly three full years when next season begins.

This means that he will eat nearly a quarter the team’s cap space. Myles Garrett, the star pass rusher has a cap figure of close to $30 million. Amari Cooper, wide receiver, is just below $24 million.

These three players account almost for HALF the Browns salary caps.

This is one way to build a team.

However, it is not the right way.