Deshaun Watson's new lawsuit could allow the Browns to get out of his contract

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson had a terrible start to the season, then news broke that he is facing another lawsuit. This could have massive implications for himself and the Browns on both a financial and personnel level. Basically, it's possible that the Browns could get out of his contract through the new lawsuit.

The Browns offered Deshaun Watson a five-year, $230 million contract when they signed him. He agreed because they offered him the fully guaranteed contract shortly after he learned he would not face criminal charges. But there was a caveat, and this lawsuit could be that caveat, as Mike Florio explains.

First and foremost, the lawsuit stems from an incident that happened years ago, but that may not matter. If Watson didn't inform the Browns and the league of the potential of this lawsuit, it could cost him many millions of dollars. If it gets to that point, there will be a dispute over the wording. But the Browns could, if they wanted, remove the guarantees for the final two years of his contract. This isn't new information, but Florio points to a clause in Watson's contract.

The Player hereby represents and warrants (unless otherwise notified to the Club in writing) as of the date of this Agreement that (1) the Player has not been charged, indicted or convicted of any crime and/or misdemeanor or has not pleaded guilty to any such crime, (ii) the Player has not engaged in any conduct that could result in a charge or conviction for any such misdemeanor and (iii) no circumstances exist that would prevent the Player's continued availability to the Club for the duration of this Agreement.

The third point is key, in my opinion. If Watson is facing a suspension as a result of this latest lawsuit, and the Browns and NFL had no prior knowledge of the incident, that should be sufficient reason for the team to void the remaining guarantees.

And the way the first two years of that contract look, they have to be interested. Even if they want to move on with Deshaun Watson, why not give themselves the option? If he gets locked up at the start of the 2025 season, they can at least eliminate the guarantees for 2025 and 2026.

But Steelers fans probably aren't for it – they want Watson to hamper the Browns. Even if he's just a “good” quarterback, they still owe him $92 million for 2025 and 2026. They could technically move at any time – but they'd still have to pay him.

In other words, the Browns are all about avoiding a financial burden and salary cap. The Browns could bench Deshaun Watson at any time, regardless of his salary, let's not forget that. For now, they've chosen to start him. And he's a better player than he showed in Week 1, as we'll surely find out soon. They showed they could win with him last year, but he couldn't stay on the field. But if he faces further disciplinary action now, this is new information, he could lose his job and millions. Not that he's running out of money anytime soon.