The big contract of Deshaun Watson is a concern for the Cleveland Browns. A restructuring could bring new flexibility to the franchise ahead of Free Agency

Less than a year ago, Deshaun Watson signed his mega-contract with the Cleveland Browns. Now the franchise is already facing a dilemma.

General manager Andrew Berry has revealed that the team would like to restructure Watson’s contract. The reason? Currently, Cleveland is above the NFL’s salary cap due to the quarterback’s high salary – the 27-year-old will collect around $55 million next season – and thus would be hard pressed to sign new players on the free agent market to bolster the team.

Berry explained on the sidelines of the Scouting Combine, “The issue could be on the table, but there’s a lot we can do. There are a number of different ways to create cap space. The approach we would take depends on the opportunities we have. We have enough flexibility to be as aggressive or conservative as we need to be. “

Browns GM remains optimistic about Watson

Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns on March 18, 2022, after missing all of the 2021 season due to multiple sexual harassment allegations.

As part of his move, Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract.

He made his debut for the Browns late last season, however, as he was suspended by the league for eleven games. In six games for Cleveland, the twelfth pick of the 2017 draft managed seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

Still, the Browns remain optimistic about the year ahead. “We’re pleased with where Deshaun is at, pleased with the progress he’s made since he’s been with us and certainly expect him to have a strong year on and off the field in 2023,” Berry concluded.