Browns face financial decision on Deshaun Watson's contract
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 5:42 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Watson, amidst controversy surrounding his past behavior, is set to incur a nearly $41 million salary cap hit this year. The Browns may opt out of his fully guaranteed deal after this season, as 2026 marks the last year of his contract. His performance will be critical in determining whether the team re-signs him moving forward.
- •Deshaun Watson is named the Browns' starting quarterback for 2026.
- •Watson's contract includes a $41 million salary cap hit this season.
- •2026 is the final year of Watson's fully guaranteed contract.
- •Browns may choose to opt out of Watson's contract after this season.
- •Watson's future with the team depends on his performance in 2026.
- 5:42 PMYahoo Sports — How much money do Browns still owe Deshaun Watson?
"Here's what the Browns are working with in regard to Deshaun Watson after they named him their starting quarterback.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:20 PMPredicting the Browns record after naming a new starting QB
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:12 PMRanking Browns' 12 best 2027 QB options to move on from Deshaun Watson mess
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:10 PMPro Football Focus: Best & worst grades for Bills defense against the Browns
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:04 PMInsider Drops Truth Bomb on Browns’ Controversial Quarterback Move- NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 5:43 PMDeshaun Watson Browns timeline: Inside disastrous trade, contract that brought quarterback to Cleveland
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 5:40 PMBrowns’ Deshaun Watson walks back comments about fanbase after winning starting QB job
