The Cleveland Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, freeing approximately $36 million in cap space, sources confirmed to ESPN. Watson was set to carry an $80.7 million cap hit in 2026, the largest in the NFL, but the restructuring makes Cleveland cap compliant ahead of the new league year.

Watson, 30, is owed a fully guaranteed $46 million salary in 2026. The restructuring comes after a challenging tenure in Cleveland where suspension and injuries have limited him to just 19 games since arriving via trade in 2022. His 33.1 Total QBR since making his debut would be the lowest among qualified passers.

The Browns are expected to restructure cornerback Denzel Ward's contract as well, according to sources. First-year coach Todd Monken expressed optimism about Watson competing for the starting job alongside Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, stating the team will give him the benefit of the doubt based on his past elite performance.