The Cleveland Browns' most complex and costly issue is now squarely on the 2026 ledger. The team confirmed that quarterback Deshaun Watson, recovering from a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon, would not be activated for the remainder of the 2025 season. All focus now shifts to 2026, where Watson is owed a fully guaranteed $46 million salary, contributing to a staggering cap hit of approximately $80 million. This financial anchor will dominate General Manager Andrew Berry and new head coach Todd Monken's offseason planning.
Watson's contract, a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal signed in 2022, has become an albatross due to his extensive injury history and suspension. The Browns have publicly stated their intention to have him on the roster in 2026, but the $80 million cap figure severely restricts their ability to improve the roster around him. Restructuring the contract is a possibility, but would only push more money into future years, further complicating the long-term financial picture.
The football question is equally murky. Can Watson, who has started just 12 games in three seasons with Cleveland, return to anything resembling his Pro Bowl form after a catastrophic injury? The Browns must prepare as if he is the starter, but the financial commitment makes exploring other quarterback options—whether through the draft or a cost-effective veteran—extremely difficult. Watson's health and performance in 2026 are not just football matters; they are existential to the franchise's competitive and financial future.