Let’s all take a second and sing. Seven swans-a-swimming, eight maids-a-milking, nine ladies dancing, 10 interceptions in the last four games by Cleveland Browns quarterbacks. Yikes.
This year’s songs are a little different with the Browns 3-12 at the Christmas holiday. Everything’s a little different as the team faces uncertainty across the roster and organization going forward. Maybe you’re still moved by the holiday spirit and perhaps only focused on April’s draft, but in either case, we mark this year not with the 12 days of Christmas but with the Browns’ 12 biggest salary-cap numbers for 2025 and an early look at how they might be addressed.
Advertisement Rejoice? Not really. Let’s explore anyway, with numbers via Over the Cap. Deshaun Watson: $72.
9 million If you think that jumps off the page, consider that Watson carries the same fully guaranteed number for 2026. The Denver Broncos took on a record $85 million in dead money to move on from Russell Wilson in March. The Browns are committed to double that with Watson.
Right now, Watson is signed through 2026 with Cleveland also due to take on $27 million in dead money in 2027 through Watson’s multiple restructures. The Browns gave up three first-round picks to go all-in on a quarterback who flopped, and now everything is unsettled. GO DEEPER Browns, Cavaliers gambled on franchise saviors at same time.
Their results are not the same Because Watson’s money is guaranteed, he probably still will be on the r.