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Exclusive: Deshaun Watson Signs Record-Breaking New Contract

Trends January 10, 2025

What is Deshaun Watson's new contract?

Deshaun Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns on March 18, 2022. The contract includes a $44.965 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $46 million.

The contract is the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history, surpassing the $229.2 million contract that the Arizona Cardinals gave Kyler Murray in 2022.

Watson's contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to winning. The Browns have not won a playoff game since 1994, and they have not won a Super Bowl since 1964.

Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. He was the NFL passing yards leader in 2020, and he has been to the Pro Bowl three times.

The Browns are hoping that Watson can lead them to their first Super Bowl victory in over 50 years.

Name	Position	Team	Years	Value
Deshaun Watson	QB	Cleveland Browns	5	$230 million
Kyler Murray	QB	Arizona Cardinals	5	$229.2 million
Aaron Rodgers	QB	Green Bay Packers	3	$150.8 million
Josh Allen	QB	Buffalo Bills	6	$258 million
Patrick Mahomes	QB	Kansas City Chiefs	10	$450 million

Deshaun Watson's New Contract

Deshaun Watson's new contract is the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. It is a five-year, $230 million deal that includes a $44.965 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $46 million.

Fully guaranteed
Five years
$230 million
$44.965 million signing bonus
$46 million average annual salary
Largest contract in NFL history
Sign of the Browns' commitment to winning

Watson's contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to winning. The Browns have not won a playoff game since 1994, and they have not won a Super Bowl since 1964. Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Browns are hoping that he can lead them to their first Super Bowl victory in over 50 years.

1. Fully guaranteed

Deshaun Watson's new contract is fully guaranteed, which means that the Cleveland Browns are obligated to pay him the full amount of the contract, even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations.

This is a significant benefit for Watson, as it provides him with financial security and peace of mind. He knows that he will be paid his full salary, regardless of what happens.

Fully guaranteed contracts are becoming increasingly common in the NFL. This is because teams are recognizing the value of having a franchise quarterback. A franchise quarterback is a player who can lead a team to a Super Bowl victory. Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Browns are hoping that he can lead them to their first Super Bowl victory in over 50 years.

The fully guaranteed nature of Watson's contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to winning. The Browns have not won a playoff game since 1994, and they have not won a Super Bowl since 1964. Watson is the Browns' best chance to end their championship drought, and the Browns are willing to pay him whatever it takes to keep him in Cleveland.

2. Five years

Deshaun Watson's new contract is a five-year deal. This means that he is committed to playing for the Cleveland Browns for the next five seasons.

Length
The length of Watson's contract is significant because it shows that the Browns are committed to him as their franchise quarterback. They believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory.
Salary
Watson's contract is worth $230 million over five years, which means that he will earn an average of $46 million per year. This makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
Guarantees
Watson's contract is fully guaranteed, which means that the Browns are obligated to pay him the full amount of the contract, even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations.
No-trade clause
Watson's contract includes a no-trade clause, which means that the Browns cannot trade him to another team without his consent.

Overall, the five-year length of Watson's contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to him as their franchise quarterback. They believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory.

3. $230 million

Deshaun Watson's new contract is worth $230 million over five years, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. The contract includes a $44.965 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $46 million. The fully guaranteed contract is the largest in NFL history.

Guaranteed money
Watson's contract is fully guaranteed, which means that the Browns are obligated to pay him the full amount of the contract, even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations. This is a significant benefit for Watson, as it provides him with financial security and peace of mind.
Salary cap hit
The $230 million contract will have a significant impact on the Browns' salary cap. The Browns will have to clear cap space in order to fit Watson's contract under the cap. This could mean cutting other players or restructuring contracts.
The Browns may also choose to spread the cap hit of Watson's contract over multiple years. This would reduce the amount of cap space that the Browns have to clear in 2022, but it would also increase the amount of cap space that the Browns have to clear in future years.
Long-term implications
The $230 million contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to Watson. The Browns believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. The contract also shows that the Browns are willing to spend big money in order to win.
The long-term implications of the contract will depend on Watson's performance on the field. If Watson plays up to expectations, the contract will be a good investment for the Browns. However, if Watson does not play up to expectations, the contract could become a burden for the Browns.

Overall, the $230 million contract is a significant investment for the Browns. The contract shows that the Browns are committed to winning and that they believe that Watson is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory.

4. $44.965 million signing bonus

The $44.965 million signing bonus is a significant part of Deshaun Watson's new contract with the Cleveland Browns. It is the largest signing bonus in NFL history, and it shows that the Browns are committed to Watson as their franchise quarterback.

Guaranteed money
The signing bonus is fully guaranteed, which means that Watson will receive the money regardless of whether he plays up to expectations or not. This is a major benefit for Watson, as it provides him with financial security.
Salary cap hit
The signing bonus will have a significant impact on the Browns' salary cap. The Browns will have to clear cap space in order to fit Watson's contract under the cap. This could mean cutting other players or restructuring contracts.
Long-term implications
The signing bonus is a sign of the Browns' commitment to Watson. The Browns believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. The signing bonus also shows that the Browns are willing to spend big money in order to win.

Overall, the $44.965 million signing bonus is a significant investment for the Browns. It shows that the Browns are committed to winning and that they believe that Watson is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory.

5. $46 million average annual salary

Deshaun Watson's new contract with the Cleveland Browns includes an average annual salary of $46 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. This salary is a significant investment for the Browns, but it also reflects Watson's status as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league.

Guaranteed money
Watson's contract is fully guaranteed, which means that he will receive his full salary even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations. This is a major benefit for Watson, as it provides him with financial security.
Salary cap hit
Watson's salary will have a significant impact on the Browns' salary cap. The Browns will have to clear cap space in order to fit Watson's contract under the cap. This could mean cutting other players or restructuring contracts.
Long-term implications
Watson's salary is a sign of the Browns' commitment to him. The Browns believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. However, the Browns will need to be careful not to overpay Watson. If Watson does not play up to expectations, his salary could become a burden for the Browns.

Overall, Watson's $46 million average annual salary is a significant investment for the Browns. The Browns believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory, but they will need to be careful not to overpay him.

6. Largest contract in NFL history

Deshaun Watson's new contract with the Cleveland Browns is the largest contract in NFL history. The contract is for five years and $230 million, with a $44.965 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $46 million. The contract is fully guaranteed, which means that Watson will receive the full amount of the contract even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations.

Guaranteed money
Watson's contract is fully guaranteed, which is a major benefit for him. It provides him with financial security and peace of mind. He knows that he will receive his full salary even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations.
Salary cap hit
Watson's contract will have a significant impact on the Browns' salary cap. The Browns will have to clear cap space in order to fit Watson's contract under the cap. This could mean cutting other players or restructuring contracts.
Long-term implications
Watson's contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to him. The Browns believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. However, the Browns will need to be careful not to overpay Watson. If Watson does not play up to expectations, his contract could become a burden for the Browns.
Historical significance
Watson's contract is the largest contract in NFL history. This is a significant milestone, and it shows that the NFL is willing to pay top dollar for talented players. Watson's contract is a sign of the growing popularity of the NFL and the increasing value of NFL players.

Overall, Watson's contract is a major event in NFL history. It is the largest contract ever given to an NFL player, and it shows that the NFL is willing to pay top dollar for talented players. Watson's contract is a sign of the growing popularity of the NFL and the increasing value of NFL players.

7. Sign of the Browns' commitment to winning

Deshaun Watson's new contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to winning. The Browns have not won a playoff game since 1994, and they have not won a Super Bowl since 1964. Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Browns are hoping that he can lead them to their first Super Bowl victory in over 50 years.

Long-term commitment
Watson's contract is for five years, which shows that the Browns are committed to him as their franchise quarterback. They believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory.
Financial investment
Watson's contract is the largest contract in NFL history. This shows that the Browns are willing to spend big money in order to win. They are betting on Watson to be the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory.
Organizational changes
The Browns have made a number of organizational changes in recent years in order to improve their chances of winning. They have hired a new general manager and a new head coach. They have also made a number of roster moves, including trading for Watson. These changes show that the Browns are serious about winning, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Fan support
The Browns have a passionate fan base that is eager to see the team win. The fans have been through a lot of tough times over the years, but they have never given up on the team. The Browns' new commitment to winning is giving the fans hope that the team can finally return to glory.

Overall, Deshaun Watson's new contract is a sign of the Browns' commitment to winning. The Browns are betting on Watson to be the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. The fans are excited about the future of the team, and they are hoping that Watson can help them end their long championship drought.

FAQs on Deshaun Watson's New Contract

Here are some frequently asked questions about Deshaun Watson's new contract with the Cleveland Browns:

Question 1: How much is Deshaun Watson's new contract worth?

Answer: Deshaun Watson's new contract is worth $230 million over five years, with an average annual salary of $46 million.

Question 2: Is Deshaun Watson's contract fully guaranteed?

Answer: Yes, Deshaun Watson's contract is fully guaranteed, which means that the Browns are obligated to pay him the full amount of the contract, even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations.

Question 3: What is the signing bonus in Deshaun Watson's contract?

Answer: The signing bonus in Deshaun Watson's contract is $44.965 million.

Question 4: How long is Deshaun Watson's contract?

Answer: Deshaun Watson's contract is five years.

Question 5: Why did the Browns give Deshaun Watson such a large contract?

Answer: The Browns gave Deshaun Watson a large contract because they believe that he is the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Browns are hoping that he can be the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

Summary: Deshaun Watson's new contract is the largest contract in NFL history. It is a five-year, $230 million deal that includes a $44.965 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $46 million. The contract is fully guaranteed, which means that Watson will receive the full amount of the contract even if he is injured or does not play up to expectations. The Browns are hoping that Watson can lead them to their first Super Bowl victory in over 50 years.

Transition: For more information on Deshaun Watson's new contract, please visit the Cleveland Browns website.

Conclusion

Deshaun Watson's new contract is a significant event in NFL history. It is the largest contract ever given to an NFL player, and it shows that the NFL is willing to pay top dollar for talented players. Watson's contract is a sign of the growing popularity of the NFL and the increasing value of NFL players.

The Browns are betting on Watson to be the player who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Browns are hoping that he can be the missing piece to their championship puzzle. Only time will tell if Watson can live up to the expectations and lead the Browns to their first Super Bowl victory in over 50 years.