Browns Secure Up to $60M in Cap Relief from Deshaun Watson's Injury Policy

Deshaun Watson's tenure with the Cleveland Browns has been marred by underperformance and injuries, leading to significant financial implications for the team. Despite signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, Watson has played only 19 games over three seasons, and injuries have sidelined him for most of 2025. However, a recently revealed insurance addendum could save the Browns up to $58 million if Watson misses the 2025 season, providing them with some much-needed salary cap relief. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged that acquiring Watson was a mistake, yet the potential cap savings could allow the team to rebuild. While the insurance policy may offer some hope, critics highlight that collecting on it could be challenging due to insurance companies' tendencies to deny payouts. The Browns must still navigate a difficult financial landscape, with Watson's contract continuing to burden their salary cap for the foreseeable future.