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The Cleveland Browns may get some relief from the worst contract in sports history, that of quarterback Deshaun Watson.
ProFootballTalk confirmed the Browns have an insurance policy for the quarterback. The policy would reimburse the Browns a certain amount if Watson misses a significant portion of the 2025 season. The Browns could recover $58.176 million in 2026.
According to ProFootballTalk, “If the insurance is based on the portion of the season Watson played, they’d presumably get all of the $12.691 million from the 2024 signing bonus (which was more than $40 million), less than half of his $1.21 million 2024 base salary, and (if as expected he doesn’t play in 2025) $44.274 million for 2025”Watson must miss the entire season for the Browns to receive $44.274 million. The policy covers the games missed by Watson, and the money will be prorated if he returns earlier. Watson believes he will play this season, as he aggressively rehabilitates from his second Achilles surgery.
Historically, athletes have taken a full to rehab from the surgery. However, a new technique has supposedly cut the return time in half. Last season, quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins returned to football months after their surgeries and played some of the worst football in their careers. Watson will likely need a year to fully recover from his surgery. However, Watson was already playing his worst, he had a historically awful season. It’s hard to imagine the team will rush him back unless they’re desperate to tank.
The nearly $60 million cap relief could help facilitate a Watson release. The team could use the lump sum cash to smooth out the potential $72 million cap charge. Watson’s days are nearing a close in Cleveland after Browns’ owner Jimmy Haslam called his acquisition a swing and a miss. The team just needs to find a financial exit ramp.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns to receive relief from Deshaun Watson in 2026
Continue reading...
ProFootballTalk confirmed the Browns have an insurance policy for the quarterback. The policy would reimburse the Browns a certain amount if Watson misses a significant portion of the 2025 season. The Browns could recover $58.176 million in 2026.
According to ProFootballTalk, “If the insurance is based on the portion of the season Watson played, they’d presumably get all of the $12.691 million from the 2024 signing bonus (which was more than $40 million), less than half of his $1.21 million 2024 base salary, and (if as expected he doesn’t play in 2025) $44.274 million for 2025”Watson must miss the entire season for the Browns to receive $44.274 million. The policy covers the games missed by Watson, and the money will be prorated if he returns earlier. Watson believes he will play this season, as he aggressively rehabilitates from his second Achilles surgery.
Historically, athletes have taken a full to rehab from the surgery. However, a new technique has supposedly cut the return time in half. Last season, quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins returned to football months after their surgeries and played some of the worst football in their careers. Watson will likely need a year to fully recover from his surgery. However, Watson was already playing his worst, he had a historically awful season. It’s hard to imagine the team will rush him back unless they’re desperate to tank.
The nearly $60 million cap relief could help facilitate a Watson release. The team could use the lump sum cash to smooth out the potential $72 million cap charge. Watson’s days are nearing a close in Cleveland after Browns’ owner Jimmy Haslam called his acquisition a swing and a miss. The team just needs to find a financial exit ramp.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns to receive relief from Deshaun Watson in 2026
Continue reading...
