Cleveland Browns can release Deshaun Watson but face salary cap challenges
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 2:43 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
The Cleveland Browns can cut quarterback Deshaun Watson following his press conference and performance against the Buffalo Bills. However, releasing him before the 2027 season could result in a staggering $86.2 million salary cap hit. Current estimates suggest the team would face $40.9 million in 2026 and $36 million in 2027 if Watson is retained through the season and released post-June 1. The decision will significantly impact the Browns' salary cap space in the coming years, which could hinder their ability to acquire new talent.
- •Browns consider releasing Deshaun Watson amid quarterback competition.
- •Potential cap hit if released now would be $86.2 million in 2027.
- •Browns can face $40.9 million cap charge in 2026.
- •Retaining Watson provides more flexibility for cap management in 2027.
- •Current roster foundation is young and inexpensive.
- 2:43 PMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson’s contract: Browns can release him, but huge salary cap pain in ’27
"Can the Cleveland Browns cut Deshaun Watson after his press conference, Bills performance? Yes but huge salary cap issues
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•Oct 20, 2026, 2:15 PMReport card grades for every NFC team in NFL Week 6
NFL•Oct 20, 2026, 1:55 PMNFL power rankings entering Week 7: All 32 teams ranked worst to first- NFL•Oct 20, 2026, 1:53 PMNFL Panic Meter: Is Brian Schottenheimer already in trouble for the Cowboys?
NFL•Oct 20, 2026, 1:43 PMWeek 7 fantasy football TE start-sit: Higbee, Freiermuth, Pitts, Mayer
NFL•Oct 20, 2026, 1:30 PMFantasy Football studs & duds for Week 7 of 2026 NFL season
NFL•Oct 20, 2026, 1:30 PMNFC West Recap: 49ers continue to distance themselves; Rams and Seahawks lose
