Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns has been a significant topic of discussion, especially as his on-field performance has fallen short of expectations. After a rough Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Watson’s struggles—marked by two interceptions, a near fumble, and a poor 9.3 quarterback rating—have amplified concerns over his future with the team.
A notable NFL insider recently revealed that there may be a unique clause in Watson’s contract that could provide the Browns an opportunity to free themselves from the remaining financial commitments, should his off-field issues or performance continue to be a problem. This is particularly relevant in light of the latest lawsuit brought against Watson, adding to the controversy that has surrounded him since his arrival in Cleveland.
Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been marred by inconsistency, injuries, and suspensions. After missing a significant amount of time due to the sexual assault allegations that led to a suspension, Watson has struggled to regain the form that made him a three-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans. The Browns’ investment in Watson was meant to be a transformative move for the franchise, but with continued poor performances and legal troubles resurfacing, the organization may be exploring ways to mitigate the financial impact of his contract.
If this clause does exist, it could potentially offer Cleveland an out from one of the largest fully guaranteed contracts in NFL history, giving the team flexibility to move forward if Watson’s situation doesn’t improve.
Paragraph 42 of Deshaun Watson’s contract may allow the Browns to escape much of what he’s still owed
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, a key clause in Deshaun Watson’s contract—Paragraph 42—could give the Cleveland Browns a potential way out of the massive financial guarantees if Watson is not fully transparent about any off-field transgressions that might lead to legal trouble. This clause requires Watson to affirm that he has not engaged in conduct that could lead to charges or lawsuits, and if he failed to disclose any such issues, the team might have the grounds to void his guaranteed money.
The specific wording of the clause states that Watson must warrant that he has not been charged, convicted, or involved in conduct that could lead to such legal actions, except for what has already been disclosed to the team. If Watson has been forthright about all possible legal risks, the Browns may have no leverage to void his contract. However, if he withheld any information related to potential lawsuits, this clause could theoretically allow the team to terminate the contract and avoid paying the remaining $92 million guaranteed over the next two seasons.
That said, the process isn’t straightforward. Even if Watson were found to have violated this clause, the Browns would likely still need action from the NFL under its Personal Conduct Policy to void the deal. If Watson were suspended for any length of time due to a new legal issue, the Browns could attempt to declare a default, potentially freeing themselves from his contract obligations.
This situation, while plausible, would still involve legal complexities and negotiations. Nonetheless, it provides Cleveland with a potential route to part ways with Watson and move on from what has been an underwhelming and controversial period since signing the massive deal.
