Story perspectives

Watson Set for Final Contract Year, Browns Decide Starter

5/1/2026

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Summary

Watson Secures Starter

Deshaun Watson, the Browns’ frontrunner for the Week 1 starting quarterback, enters the final year of a guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract after leading minicamp reps.
GM Andrew Berry says Head coach Todd Monken will lock in the quarterback order after the June 9-11 minicamp and will decide the starter before July camp.
Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green—who posted a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical at the combine—remain contenders.

Summary

Watson Signs $46M

Deshaun Watson’s 2026 salary is $46 million, using roughly 15 % of the Browns’ cap.
Owner Jimmy Haslam first called the trade a ‘big swing and miss’ then praised Watson’s mindset.
Watson faces civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct from over 22 women.
The Browns skipped quarterback Ty Simpson in the draft and installed a Texas-style offense that fits Watson.

Summary

Watson Faces Setback

Mike Tannenbaum warned Watson's two Achilles tears may permanently limit his mobility.
Watson has had three surgeries in two years and missed all of last season.
He also skipped the April 21-23 voluntary minicamp that excluded Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Jerry Jeudy.
ESPN's Ben Solak ranked Watson's 2024 season 902nd of 907 in yards per dropback.
Ownership supplied “inside track” story about Watson’s minicamp edge, prompting speculation of narrative shaping.

History

Historical Context

Tom Brady secured a four-year, $72 million extension in September 2010, cementing the Patriots’ ‘Patriot Way’ that turned the 2001 surprise championship into a dynasty. The 2011 collective-bargaining agreement raised the NFL salary cap, allowing New England to devote a record portion of its cap to star contracts and paving the way for later mega deals such as the 2022 Browns-Watson agreement.

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Watson Secures Starter

Deshaun Watson, the Browns’ frontrunner for the Week 1 starting quarterback, enters the final year of a guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract after leading minicamp reps.
GM Andrew Berry says Head coach Todd Monken will lock in the quarterback order after the June 9-11 minicamp and will decide the starter before July camp.
Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green—who posted a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical at the combine—remain contenders.

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