After evaluating the injury and considering both the physical and mental recovery of the player, the financial implications become a key concern for the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson, especially regarding the insurance that covers his 2024 salary.
According to two sources familiar with Watson’s deal, a portion of his remaining 2024 salary is covered by an insurance policy. The exact amount covered for a potential season-ending Achilles injury and how much of that coverage could provide salary-cap relief in 2025 remains unknown to the public. This lack of clarity is due to the specifics of the insurance policy, which are known only to the Browns and their insurer. Coverage depends on the injury type and the premiums the team opts to pay, with Achilles injuries generally being covered.
One source indicated that any cap relief in 2025 would depend on the insurance payout but noted that teams rarely disclose the details of their insurance policies.
Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury, sustained against the Bengals, seems likely to end his season. This situation brings back memories of last year’s controversy when the New York Jets didn’t insure any part of Aaron Rodgers’ $37 million guaranteed salary. Rodgers’ Achilles injury in the season opener caused him to miss most of the season, highlighting the financial consequences of not having insurance coverage.
If the Jets had insured Rodgers’ entire $37 million salary, they could have received significant cap credits for 2024. However, they chose not to, likely due to the high premiums, which would have varied based on the coverage and specific injuries included.
As of now, the Browns haven’t confirmed the full extent of Watson’s injury, though video evidence and comments from head coach Kevin Stefanski strongly suggest an Achilles rupture that may end his season.
Watson’s contract includes base salaries of $46 million for 2025 and 2026, but due to restructuring, his cap hit is much higher. Releasing or trading Watson in the offseason would lead to a staggering $172.7 million cap charge in 2025, making him almost impossible to cut or trade unless another team agrees to take on his remaining $92 million in guaranteed salary.
For now, the Browns’ best hope for cap relief lies with the insurance policy on Watson’s 2024 salary, which could cover missed games this season and potentially provide relief in 2025 if his recovery extends into next year.
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