Browns restructures Watson’s contract for free agency

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns have restructured Deshaun Watson’s record contract to give them more leeway in free agency to surround the most talented quarterback.

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that the Browns opened a cap after restructuring the five-year, $230 million deal the parties signed last year.

Cleveland has always had the discretion to convert Watson’s base salary — $46 million in 2023 — into a signing bonus to free up $36 million of space, according to the source who spoke to the AP under on condition of anonymity as the team has not been spoken.

Teams will be able to start signing contracts with free agents from Monday noon. After a 7-10 season, the Browns should look to strengthen their defensive line and add another receiver for Watson.

Restructuring Watson’s contract was something that was anticipated, as it was the easiest way for the Browns to free up space after going over about 14 million in the salary cap. Chief executive Andrew Berry recently said the contract adjustment “is on the table”.

Watson initially refused to be traded from Houston to Cleveland last year, but changed his mind when the Browns offered him a fully guaranteed contract.

The Browns came under fire, as Watson had been accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by 23 women in Texas. The player has reached settlements to resolve 23 civil lawsuits brought by the women, who allege Watson behaved inappropriately during massage therapy sessions.

Watson was serving an 11-game suspension imposed by the NFL for violating the league’s code of conduct. He played six games with Cleveland and went 3-3, looking for some rhythm after nearly two years without playing.