Full Breakdown
Browns Secure $88.8 Million in Cap Credits from Deshaun Watson Injury Insurance
7/7/2026, 1:31:12 AM
Cap Credits Offset Injuries
NFLPA contract documents show the Cleveland Browns will receive $88.781 million in salary-cap credits for 2024-2029. The credits stem from an injury-insurance clause in quarterback Deshaun Watson’s five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract and are listed as “return of signing-bonus from insurance policy” in renegotiations.
Trade, Injuries, Insurance
In 2022 the Browns traded for Watson, sending three first-round picks to the Houston Texans and signing a five-year, $230 million guaranteed deal. They added injury insurance before his 2023 shoulder problems and his October 2024 torn Achilles. Watson missed 11 games in 2023, 10 in 2024, and all 17 in 2025.
Credit Breakdown
Total cap credits from 2024-2029 equal $88.781 million, broken down as $8.8 million (2024-2025), $21.7 million (2026), $16.8 million (2027), $16.7 million (2028) and $8.0 million (2029). A March 2026 restructuring turned $44.7 million of salary into signing-bonus proration, freeing $35.8 million of cap space; projected dead-money if released is $34.6 million in 2027 and $51.5 million in 2028.
Official Response
The Browns declined comment on the insurance. NFLPA documents label the entries as “return of signing-bonus from insurance policy.” Head coach Todd Monken said the team has not yet decided on a starter and has not begun full practice or preseason games. The NFL Management Council is considering narrowing the cap-break provision, which would require CBA renegotiation.
Criticism
Analysts call Watson’s contract one of the NFL’s worst trades, noting the insurance does not restore the three first-round picks sent to Houston. Agent Joel Corry warned that even with $21 million in 2026 credits and $16.7 million in 2027, the insurance “won’t be enough to offset the dead-money penalties” and does not change Watson’s release timeline.
Conflicts
Sources list three 2026 credits ($8.781 M, $7.992 M, $4.951 M) and two 2027 credits ($8.755 M, $8.018 M), totaling about $21.7 million for 2026 and $16.8 million for 2027. All agree the total is $88.781 million, but the insurance premium is not disclosed.
Quotes
- “I don’t know, but I’ll try to find out.” — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
- “It took a little while to figure it out. As best we can tell, the Browns will have received $8.79 million for 2024…” — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
- “As much as I’d love to make that decision… and we haven’t even practiced against an opponent, putting the pads on, or playing preseason games.” — Todd Monken, Browns head coach
- “The short (and painful) answer? Absolutely nothing.” — Joel Corry, former NFL agent, CBS Sports
Impact
The $88.8 million in cap credits gives Cleveland roster flexibility and shows how injury-insurance can offset risk in guaranteed contracts, a practice that may face CBA scrutiny.
Future
Training camp starts July 28, with Watson and Shedeur Sanders vying for the starter’s job. GM Andrew Berry will allocate the new cap space while watching possible league changes to insurance-related cap breaks.
