Given the totally assured nature of Watson’s pact, a commerce or launch was by no means possible for the Browns even within the wake of Watson’s struggles when wholesome throughout his Cleveland tenure. The blockbuster commerce acquisition noticed his 2024 marketing campaign finish with an Achilles tear, and he has subsequently suffered a second tear which is able to sideline him for many (probably all) of subsequent yr.
In December, workforce and participant agreed to a reworked deal which added a pair of void years to the pact. None of Watson’s compensation was affected by the transfer, whereas this restructure will convert wage right into a signing bonus to decrease his 2025 cap cost. Watson was beforehand on monitor to depend for $73M towards the cap this season, that means such a maneuver was anticipated previous to the beginning of the brand new league yr. Cleveland was among the many groups over the cap coming into Thursday, however as soon as this transfer is processed the Browns will probably be in compliance.
Nonetheless, a cheap QB resolution will probably be sought out this offseason with Watson nonetheless beneath contract for the subsequent two years. Cleveland will solely be capable of afford a modest funding in free company, and consequently Kirk Cousins has been mentioned as a logical target (offered he’s launched by the Falcons). The draft additionally looms as an avenue to discovering a long-term Watson substitute, and the Browns might use the No. 2 choose to fill that want. Cam Ward is among the many prospects who will conduct a top-30 go to, and he will probably be in Cleveland Thursday.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson is hooked up to his rookie contract, however Jameis Winston is a pending free agent. Within the occasion the latter have been to depart, and if pending restricted free agent Bailey Zappe have been to be non-tendered, the Browns might be available in the market for a number of additions beneath heart. The workforce now has monetary readability because it pertains to Watson as preparations on the place proceed.
