For the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson’s contract proves to be the gift that keeps on taking. In looking at their future expenses, one trend clearly sticks out: Watson’s contract isn’t the only anchor they’re shackled to. In recent years, they’ve had to use creative cap measures, largely to juggle Watson’s contract.
In 2026, we may see much of that come to a head. As it currently stands, the Browns have 11 players under contract whose deals void after this season. Teams use void years to minimize current cap space, but they have to pay it after the deal voids.