Deshaun Watson contract still traps Browns after flop
After a disastrous preseason showing against Buffalo, Deshaun Watson's hold on Cleveland's starting job looks shaky—but the Deshaun Watson contract still locks the Browns into massive salary-cap pain. Cutting him now barely helps 2026 books and could dump roughly $86 million in dead money onto 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Watson threw two interceptions in a booed second-half outing vs. the Bills, then clapped back at fans, while Shedeur Sanders looked smoother earlier.
- USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell says it would be a shock if Watson is named the Browns' starter after that night.
- The Deshaun Watson contract still carries about $127 million in remaining dead-cap exposure; a midseason cut hits ~$41M in 2026 and ~$86.2M in 2027.
- Keeping him through 2026 and using a post-June 1 release can spread the same total pain across 2027–2028.
- Bell's wider column also flagged low running-back pay relative to receivers and called out "stupid" NFL practice fights.
What happened to Watson in Cleveland's preseason?
Since April, new Browns coach Todd Monken has used dozens of practices and two preseason games to judge Watson and Sanders. On Saturday against Buffalo, Huntington Bank Field booed Watson. Monken said getting booed "sucks" and that the fix is to "play good football."
That did not happen. Watson's second-half stretch included two picks. Sanders was smoother and more productive in the first half. Afterward, Watson vented about the fan base—hurting his rep further—while Sanders condemned the booing as a respect issue among competitors who are "all human beings."
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Can the Browns escape the Deshaun Watson contract?
Yes on paper, no without pain. Spotrac notes Watson is still owed $46 million cash this season, with about $127.2 million in dead cap attached today.
A release now (post-June 1 accounting) means roughly $41.0 million dead in 2026 and $86.2 million in 2027—no real 2026 cap relief, and a historic 2027 hit. Dawgs By Nature notes that figure would dwarf recent QB dead-cap bombs such as Russell Wilson (~$53M) and Tua Tagovailoa (~$55.4M this year).
If Cleveland keeps him through 2026, a post-June 1 release on void years can shift charges toward about $36 million in 2027 and $51.5 million in 2028—same total dollars, better timing as the league salary cap rises. An early cut that wrecks 2027 free agency looks unlikely.
Why does Bell's column still matter beyond one QB?
Bell also framed elite running backs as underpaid: Jahmyr Gibbs's new 3-year, $67.5 million deal (~$22.5M AAV) still trails 24 wide receivers on Spotrac averages, even after strong production. Contract expert Joel Corry said the salary cap has risen ~150% since 2011 while top RB pay rose only ~58%.
On practice brawls—after the Cowboys-Saints melee drew a combined $1 million in NFL fines—former lineman Damien Woody called helmet-ripping fights "stupid," arguing game-day intensity does not belong in camp.
Watson's on-field freefall grabbed the headlines. The Deshaun Watson contract is what still decides how long Cleveland must live with the aftermath.