Ian Rapoport has confirmed that the Cleveland Browns have come to an agreement with quarterback Deshaun Watson to restructure his contract.

Rapoport emphasizes that this restructured deal indicates a commitment from the Browns, suggesting that Watson will remain with the team for the upcoming season.

In a follow-up report, Tom Pelissero states that this restructuring will not alter Watson’s $73 million cap hit in 2025, but it will redistribute the cap impact into the latter part of his contract, specifically in 2026.

Earlier this month, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported that the Browns are expected to retain Watson next season. However, the specifics of his role post-recovery from a torn Achilles remain unclear.

Deshaun Watson, aged 29, was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans after an impressive career at Clemson. He initially signed a four-year rookie contract worth $13.854 million, which included a fifth-year option estimated at $17.3 million for the 2021 season.

Subsequently, Watson signed a lucrative four-year extension worth up to $177 million prior to the 2020 season, averaging $39 million annually. However, after that season, he requested a trade and did not play in 2021 as he dealt with over two dozen sexual misconduct lawsuits, resulting in an 11-game suspension.

In 2022, Watson was traded to the Browns for significant draft picks and signed a five-year, fully guaranteed contract valued at $230 million. This contract, effective through 2026, sets his base salary at $46 million for each of the last two seasons.

During the 2024 season, Watson played in seven games for the Browns, completing 63.4% of his passes, totaling 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with 31 carries for 148 yards and one rushing touchdown.