As the 2026 NFL season approaches, Deshaun Watson's contract with the Cleveland Browns stands out, and not necessarily for the right reasons. Watson, the 12th-highest-paid player in the league, has thrown just 19 touchdown passes since the end of the 2020 season. With numbers like that, it's no wonder he's considered the Browns' most overpaid player heading into this season.
The Browns did make a strategic move by restructuring Watson's contract earlier this month, freeing up nearly $36 million in cap space and ensuring they remain cap compliant. Originally, Watson was set to have an $80.7 million cap hit in 2026, the largest in the NFL, but now he carries a fully guaranteed $46 million salary for the year.
Watson's journey in Cleveland has been rocky, to say the least. After missing the entire 2025 season due to rehabbing an Achilles tear from 2024, his time on the field has been limited. Since joining the Browns, he's played in only 19 games, posting a 33.1 Total QBR, which is currently the lowest among qualified passers.
Despite these challenges, Watson's history in the league shows flashes of brilliance. A former Clemson standout and a star with the Houston Texans, Watson has amassed 17,904 passing yards and 123 touchdowns in his NFL career. However, with the Browns, he's managed 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
This season, Watson will face competition from Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the starting quarterback position. New Browns coach Todd Monken remains optimistic about Watson's potential, stating, "Anytime you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skill set at an elite level, you're always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again."
As the Browns navigate these financial and on-field challenges, the focus will be on whether Watson can rediscover his form and lead the team effectively. With his past achievements, the hope is that Watson can once again shine and justify the hefty investment Cleveland has made in him.