Deshaun Watson Salary: NFL Contract Details

Contract Extension with the Cleveland Browns

In March 2022, the Cleveland Browns acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade. Shortly after the trade, the Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history, on a per-year basis.

The contract includes a $44.965 million signing bonus and $230 million in guaranteed money. Watson's annual average salary under the contract is $46 million.

Contract Breakdown

• Contract Length: Five Years • Signing Bonus: $44.965 million • Guaranteed Money: $230 million • Annual Average Salary: $46 million

Previous Contract with the Houston Texans

Before joining the Browns, Watson played for the Houston Texans from 2017 to 2020. He signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Texans in 2018, which included a $27 million signing bonus and $110.717 million in guaranteed money.

Contract Breakdown

• Contract Length: Four Years • Signing Bonus: $27 million • Guaranteed Money: $110.717 million • Annual Average Salary: $39 million

Controversy and Suspension

It's important to note that Watson's NFL career has been overshadowed by off-field controversy. In 2021, he was accused of sexual misconduct by 22 women. The NFL subsequently suspended Watson for 11 games during the 2022 season. The suspension was later reduced to six games by an independent arbitrator.