Deshaun Watson's contract, cap hit and comparisons to former Browns QB Baker Mayfield

A lackluster performance in Week 1 by Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson raised concerns of whether Watson's pocket awareness and processing speed will ever be restored after missing so much time due to suspension and injury.

While the supporting cast (particularly the offensive line) didn't do Watson many favors in the season-opening loss against the Dallas Cowboys, nobody on the Browns' roster makes more in terms of salary than QB1.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he remains confident in Watson , but the bottom line remains that if the highest-paid player on the roster isn't performing at a high level, it's going to make winning games and making a playoff push that much more difficult.

Of course, it's just one (ugly) loss. There's plenty of season to go, and both Watson and the Browns could certainly get back on track from here.

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But Browns fans — who already let their voices be heard by booing their team at halftime, something reigning DPOY Myles Garrett said is their right when the team isn't performing up to expectations — will continue to point to Watson's contract and cap hit if the struggles continue.

Here's a comprehensive look at Watson's deal.

Deshaun Watson contract, cap hit with Cleveland Browns

Watson signed a five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract with the Browns following a trade with the Houston Texans in 2022.

At the time, it set a record for the most guaranteed money in a contract in NFL history. That was prior to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott signing a four-year, $240 million contract with Dallas that guaranteed $231 million.

In 2024, Watson carries a cap hit of $27,942,678, according to Spotrac data . That’s by far the most on the team, ahead of defensive stalwart Garrett who sits slightly above $20 million.

Watson’s dead cap value (a charge for a player if they’re still owed money and are no longer on the roster) is more than $200 million. So, the Browns are on the hook to pay the polarizing QB even if they were to make the decision to cut him loose.

When does Deshaun Watson's contract end?

Watson is under contract with the Browns through the 2026 season, and will become an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2027 campaign.

Watson deal draws comparisons to former Browns QB Baker Mayfield's contract

Former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract ($50 million guaranteed) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of this year.

Naturally, Browns fans are making not only the monetary comparison between Mayfield and Watson, but also comparing their on-field performance.

We still only have one week in the books at the time of writing, but Mayfield completed 24 of his 30 pass attempts in a 37-20 Week 1 win over Washington, throwing for four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Watson, on the other hand, completed just 24 of his 45 pass attempts in Week 1 with one touchdown against two interceptions.

The offensive line played a role, of course, as Mayfield was sacked once while Watson was sacked six times in the opener.

Still, Browns fans are sure to continue making this comparison in the weeks ahead if Watson doesn't play up to the standard of a former Browns QB whose contract looks modest by comparison.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Deshaun Watson's contract, cap hit and comparisons to former Browns QB Baker Mayfield