Before the Cleveland Browns took the field against the Buffalo Bills, most believed that Deshaun Watson was going to be named the starter for the 2026 NFL season, as soon as after the game. Shedeur Sanders was given the start in the second preseason game, but HC Todd Monken's process seemed to be leaning pretty strongly toward the veteran.
Then Cleveland looked like they no longer "belonged" playing with Buffalo; Sanders looked okay, Watson looked terrible, the veteran then had a horrible press conference, and many are wondering if his statements will impact the starting quarterback competition.
Going beyond that, the conversation has turned to Watson's infamous contract and whether the Browns can cut him. The simple answer: Yes, they can. The more complicated answer: No impact this year, but wow the devastation in 2027.
Quite simply, Cleveland owes $127 million (give or take a few dollars) on the salary cap for Watson. Nothing they do will change that. What does change things is when Watson departs the team. If the Browns cut him today, or anytime during the season, they would then have the following salary cap hits:
2026
#looked
Then Cleveland looked like they no longer "belonged" playing with Buffalo; Sanders looked okay, Watson looked terrible, the veteran then had a horrible press conference, and many are wondering if his statements will impact the starting quarterback competition.
Going beyond that, the conversation has turned to Watson's infamous contract and whether the Browns can cut him. The simple answer: Yes, they can. The more complicated answer: No impact this year, but wow the devastation in 2027.
Quite simply, Cleveland owes $127 million (give or take a few dollars) on the salary cap for Watson. Nothing they do will change that. What does change things is when Watson departs the team. If the Browns cut him today, or anytime during the season, they would then have the following salary cap hits:
2026
#looked
6 days ago
