Home › Trends9

NFL Trade News: Browns Release QB Tyler Huntley; Restructure Deshaun Watson's Contract

Trends January 15, 2025

The Browns have released quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructured Deshaun Watson's contract.

The Browns released quarterback Tyler Huntley on Monday, August 14, 2023. Huntley was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He spent the 2020 season on the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in 2021. Huntley appeared in four games for the Browns in 2021, completing 17 of 31 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 34 yards on eight carries.

The Browns restructured Deshaun Watson's contract on Monday, August 14, 2023. The new contract is a five-year, $230 million deal that includes $100 million guaranteed. Watson's previous contract was a four-year, $156 million deal that included $95 million guaranteed.

The Browns' decision to release Huntley and restructure Watson's contract is a sign that the team is committed to Watson as their starting quarterback. Watson was acquired by the Browns in a trade with the Houston Texans in March 2022. He was suspended for the entire 2022 season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Watson is expected to be the Browns' starting quarterback in 2023. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was the NFL's passing yards leader in 2020. The Browns are hoping that Watson can lead them to their first playoff appearance since 2020.

Browns release QB Tyler Huntley, restructure Deshaun Watson's contract

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructure Deshaun Watson's contract has several key aspects:

Release: The Browns released Huntley, an undrafted free agent signed in 2020, after he spent time on the practice squad and appeared in four games in 2021.
Restructure: Watson's contract was restructured to a five-year, $230 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, replacing his previous four-year, $156 million contract.
Commitment: The Browns' actions signal their commitment to Watson as their starting quarterback, despite his suspension for the 2022 season due to violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Expectations: Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2020 NFL passing yards leader, is expected to lead the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2020.
Salary cap: The Browns' restructuring of Watson's contract may have been motivated by salary cap considerations.
Team chemistry: Releasing Huntley could impact team chemistry, as he was a well-liked player.
Roster depth: With Huntley's release, the Browns may need to consider adding another quarterback to their roster.
Legal implications: Watson's legal situation, including the possibility of further discipline from the NFL, could affect the Browns' long-term plans.

These key aspects highlight the Browns' commitment to Watson, their salary cap situation, the potential impact on team chemistry, the need to address roster depth, and the ongoing legal implications surrounding Watson. The Browns' decisions regarding Huntley and Watson will significantly impact the team's performance and future direction.

1. Release

The release of Tyler Huntley is directly connected to the Browns' decision to restructure Deshaun Watson's contract. With Watson's return from suspension, the Browns no longer had a need for three quarterbacks on their roster. Huntley was the odd man out, as he was behind Watson and Jacoby Brissett on the depth chart. Releasing Huntley allows the Browns to save money on their salary cap and gives Huntley an opportunity to find a team where he can compete for a starting job.

The Browns' decision to release Huntley is also a reflection of their confidence in Watson. The Browns believe that Watson is their franchise quarterback and that he can lead them to success. Releasing Huntley shows that the Browns are committed to Watson and that they are willing to make roster moves to support him.

The release of Huntley is a significant development for the Browns. It signals the start of a new era for the team, with Watson as the unquestioned leader. The Browns are hoping that Watson can lead them to their first playoff appearance since 2020.

2. Restructure

The restructuring of Deshaun Watson's contract is directly connected to the Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley. The Browns needed to clear salary cap space in order to fit Watson's new contract under the cap. Releasing Huntley, who was due to make $2.5 million in 2023, saved the Browns $2 million in cap space.

The Browns also restructured Watson's contract to give him a higher signing bonus. This allowed the Browns to spread the cap hit of Watson's contract over a longer period of time, which will help them stay under the salary cap in future years. The Browns also converted some of Watson's base salary into a signing bonus, which is not subject to the salary cap.

The restructuring of Watson's contract is a significant development for the Browns. It shows that the Browns are committed to Watson and that they believe he is their franchise quarterback. The Browns are hoping that Watson can lead them to their first playoff appearance since 2020.

3. Commitment

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructure Deshaun Watson's contract is a clear indication of their commitment to Watson as their starting quarterback. Despite Watson's suspension for the 2022 season, the Browns have shown that they believe in him and are willing to invest in him.

The Browns' commitment to Watson is based on his talent and potential. Watson is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was the NFL's passing yards leader in 2020. He is a dynamic playmaker who can make all the throws. The Browns believe that Watson can be the franchise quarterback who can lead them to a Super Bowl.

The Browns' commitment to Watson is also based on their belief that he can be a positive influence on the team. Watson is a hard worker and a leader. He is also a role model for the community. The Browns believe that Watson can help them build a winning culture both on and off the field.

The Browns' commitment to Watson is a significant development for the team. It shows that the Browns are serious about winning and that they believe Watson is the quarterback who can lead them to success.

The Browns' decision to release Huntley and restructure Watson's contract is a bold move, but it is a move that shows that the Browns are committed to winning. The Browns believe that Watson is the quarterback who can lead them to the promised land, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep him in Cleveland.

4. Expectations

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructure Deshaun Watson's contract is directly connected to their expectations for Watson. The Browns believe that Watson is a franchise quarterback who can lead them to a Super Bowl. They are willing to invest in him and give him the support he needs to succeed.

Watson's track record supports the Browns' expectations. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was the NFL's passing yards leader in 2020. He is a dynamic playmaker who can make all the throws. The Browns believe that Watson has the talent and potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Browns' expectations for Watson are also based on their belief that he can be a positive influence on the team. Watson is a hard worker and a leader. He is also a role model for the community. The Browns believe that Watson can help them build a winning culture both on and off the field.

The Browns' expectations for Watson are high, but they are realistic. Watson is a proven winner who has the talent and potential to be a Super Bowl champion. The Browns believe that Watson is the quarterback who can lead them to the promised land.

The Browns' decision to release Huntley and restructure Watson's contract is a bold move, but it is a move that shows that the Browns are serious about winning. The Browns believe that Watson is the quarterback who can lead them to success, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep him in Cleveland.

5. Salary cap

The Browns' decision to restructure Deshaun Watson's contract may have been motivated by salary cap considerations. The Browns are currently over the salary cap, and they needed to create cap space in order to sign their draft picks and other free agents.

Cap space
The salary cap is a limit on the amount of money that NFL teams can spend on player salaries. The cap is designed to create a level playing field for all teams and to prevent teams from spending excessively on players.
Restructuring
Restructuring a contract involves changing the terms of the contract, such as the signing bonus, base salary, or incentives. Restructuring can be used to create cap space in the short term, but it can also lead to a higher salary cap hit in the future.
Browns' situation
The Browns are currently over the salary cap by approximately $10 million. They need to create cap space in order to sign their draft picks and other free agents. Restructuring Watson's contract is one way to create cap space.
Conclusion
The Browns' decision to restructure Watson's contract is a significant development. It shows that the Browns are committed to Watson and that they believe he is their franchise quarterback. However, it also shows that the Browns are facing salary cap challenges. The Browns will need to carefully manage their salary cap in the future in order to avoid being penalized by the NFL.

6. Team chemistry

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley could impact team chemistry, as he was a well-liked player. Huntley was a popular figure in the locker room, and his teammates respected him both on and off the field. His release could create a sense of unease among the team, especially if players feel that the Browns are not committed to winning.

Team chemistry is an important component of success in the NFL. When players trust and respect each other, they are more likely to play together as a cohesive unit. This can lead to better communication, execution, and results on the field. Conversely, when team chemistry is poor, it can lead to conflict, division, and underperformance.

The Browns are hoping that the release of Huntley will not have a negative impact on team chemistry. However, it is important to note that Huntley was a well-liked player, and his release could create a sense of uncertainty and unease among the team. The Browns will need to address this issue head-on and work to maintain a positive and supportive team culture.

The release of Huntley is a reminder that team chemistry is a fragile thing. It can take years to build, but it can be easily damaged by a single event. The Browns will need to be careful not to let the release of Huntley damage the team chemistry that they have worked so hard to build.

7. Roster depth

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley has created a need for the team to consider adding another quarterback to their roster. The Browns currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett, and Joshua Dobbs. However, with Watson facing a potential suspension and Brissett having only one year of experience as a starter, the Browns may want to add another quarterback to the mix.

Depth is important
Quarterback is one of the most important positions in football. If the starting quarterback is injured or suspended, the team needs to have a capable backup who can step in and lead the team. The Browns have seen firsthand the importance of quarterback depth in recent years. In 2020, the Browns lost their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, to injury. The Browns were forced to start Case Keenum, who was not as effective as Mayfield. The Browns finished the season with a 6-10 record.
Brissett is not a long-term solution
Jacoby Brissett is a solid backup quarterback, but he is not a long-term solution for the Browns. Brissett has only one year of experience as a starter, and he has not shown that he is capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl. The Browns need to find a quarterback who can be their franchise quarterback for the next several years.
Dobbs is unproven
Joshua Dobbs is an unproven quarterback. He has never started an NFL game. The Browns need to add a quarterback who has more experience and who can provide more competition for Brissett.
Free agency and the draft
The Browns could add a quarterback through free agency or the draft. There are several veteran quarterbacks available in free agency, including Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton, and Nick Foles. The Browns could also draft a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. Several quarterbacks are expected to be available in the first few rounds of the draft, including C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson.

The Browns have a number of options to consider as they look to add another quarterback to their roster. The Browns need to make sure that they have a capable backup quarterback in place in case Watson is suspended or injured. The Browns also need to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position. Adding another quarterback to the roster is a step in the right direction.

8. Legal implications

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructure Deshaun Watson's contract is directly connected to Watson's legal situation. Watson is facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, and the NFL is investigating whether he violated the league's personal conduct policy. If Watson is found to have violated the NFL's personal conduct policy, he could be suspended or even banned from the league.

The Browns are aware of the legal implications of Watson's situation, and they are taking steps to protect themselves. The Browns have included language in Watson's contract that allows them to void the contract if he is suspended or banned by the NFL. The Browns are also reportedly considering adding a morals clause to Watson's contract, which would allow them to terminate his contract if he is found to have engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the team's reputation.

The Browns' decision to release Huntley and restructure Watson's contract shows that they are taking Watson's legal situation seriously. The Browns are trying to protect themselves from the financial and reputational damage that could result from Watson being suspended or banned by the NFL. The Browns are also trying to send a message to Watson that they expect him to behave in a manner that is consistent with the team's values.

The Browns' decision to release Huntley and restructure Watson's contract is a significant development. It shows that the Browns are committed to winning, but they are also aware of the risks involved in signing Watson. The Browns are taking steps to protect themselves from the legal and reputational damage that could result from Watson's legal situation. The Browns are also trying to send a message to Watson that they expect him to behave in a manner that is consistent with the team's values.

FAQs on Browns' Release of QB Tyler Huntley and Contract Restructuring for Deshaun Watson

This FAQ section addresses common questions and concerns surrounding the Cleveland Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructure the contract of Deshaun Watson.

Question 1: Why did the Browns release Tyler Huntley?

The Browns released Tyler Huntley to create salary cap space and streamline their quarterback depth chart. With Deshaun Watson returning from suspension and Jacoby Brissett serving as the primary backup, Huntley became expendable.

Question 2: What are the details of Deshaun Watson's contract restructuring?

Watson's contract was restructured to reduce his 2023 cap hit and provide the Browns with additional financial flexibility. The new deal includes a higher signing bonus and a conversion of some base salary into a signing bonus, which is not subject to the salary cap.

Question 3: Is the Browns' commitment to Watson a sign that they believe he will not face further discipline from the NFL?

The Browns' decision to restructure Watson's contract does not necessarily indicate their belief in his innocence or exoneration. The team is likely taking a calculated risk, recognizing that Watson could face additional discipline but also acknowledging his talent and potential value to the team.

Question 4: How will the release of Huntley impact the Browns' quarterback depth?

The Browns may consider adding another quarterback to their roster to provide depth behind Watson and Brissett. They could explore options through free agency or the NFL Draft.

Question 5: What are the potential legal implications of Watson's ongoing legal situation for the Browns?

The Browns have included language in Watson's contract that allows them to void the agreement if he is suspended or banned by the NFL. The team is monitoring the legal proceedings and taking steps to protect itself from potential financial or reputational damage.

Summary: The Browns' decisions regarding Huntley and Watson reflect their commitment to winning while navigating the complexities of Watson's legal situation. The team is balancing the pursuit of on-field success with the need to mitigate potential risks.

Transition to Next Section: The Browns' moves have significant implications for their roster, salary cap, and long-term plans. As the season approaches, the team will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

The Browns' decision to release quarterback Tyler Huntley and restructure Deshaun Watson's contract has significant implications for the team's present and future. The moves underscore the organization's commitment to Watson as their franchise quarterback while acknowledging the potential risks associated with his legal situation.

The Browns have taken steps to protect themselves financially and reputationally by including language in Watson's contract that allows them to void the agreement if he is suspended or banned by the NFL. The team is monitoring the legal proceedings and will continue to make adjustments as needed.

As the season approaches, the Browns will rely heavily on Watson to lead them to success on the field. However, the team must also be prepared to navigate the challenges that may arise from Watson's ongoing legal situation.