Amid a woeful start to the 2024 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns have found themselves tangled with QB Deshaun Watson’s enormous contract signed back in 2022. Although Watson had initially signed a five-year contract worth $230 million, after last season’s restructuring, it still has $92 million left in guaranteed money. However, it wouldn’t have been an issue for the Browns if not for Watson, who found himself associated with a lawsuit filed by an anonymous woman.

Citing the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, the guaranteed money left in Watson’s contract would be declared void if he is found guilty of the charges. But there is a certain twist that could potentially change the way Watson’s deal is dealt with. There is a clause that states Watson must not be charged, convicted, indicted or engage in any crime that the club is not aware of. This would see his contract getting torn apart in those circumstances.

However, if Watson had already discussed the new lawsuit before signing the deal with the Browns, they might not be able to do anything about it. Well, the Browns might not have to worry about sticking with the contract, as Watson was seemingly surprised after hearing about the lawsuit. Sharing his thoughts, the 29-year-old stated, “I found out this allegation, and this filed exactly when everyone else found out. Found out through media, saw it popped up on my phone, and then I called my attorneys and asked them what it was.”

If Watson indeed didn’t know about those charges, the Browns could find a resolution based on the direction in which this lawsuit could move. Although the lawsuit might have caught the Browns QB in the cold, the alleged woman’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, may have something that can potentially change the future of the 3-time Pro Bowler.

As per Buzbee, a ‘pertinent video’ could be shown to the league, thereby threatening the QB’s expulsion from the NFL. But the question is how Cleveland can save itself from the contract while facing minimal damages.

Possible scenarios Browns could explore about Deshaun Watson’s contract

Although it seems easy to cut off a player from their contract while kicking them out from the roster, their salary cap could be impacted heavily, as guaranteed money in the contract determines everything. Choosing to waive away Watson could see the Browns facing an additional $92 million in cap money. Even though this could be an ideal way of proceeding if Watson does get convicted, he can file grievances against the franchise.

This would mean the Browns would receive a cap hold of more than $38 million next season. If none of those instances does play out, the Browns could find it difficult to build a competitive roster. At the same time, if Watson does get convicted, then the Browns would only have to face a cap hit of $26.7 million. Either way, they would have to face sustainable damages for the shenanigans their QB has caught himself into.

As things stand, Watson is walking on thin ice while the Browns continue to monitor the developments closely. Only time will tell how things will turn out for the quarterback and his franchise.