Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has already set a notable NFL record here in 2023, even though the league’s new year has yet to officially begin.
According to NFL analyst Warren Sharp, Watson’s 2023 cap will be $54.993 million. This is by far the highest cap reached in NFL history, as Sharp pointed out that the cap reached by a player has never exceeded $39 million so far.
Watson signed a five-year, fully guaranteed, $230 million contract with the Browns last offseason following a trade to the Houston Texans. As part of the trade, Houston landed Cleveland’s 2022, 2023 and 2024 first-round picks.
Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined $5 million over allegations of sexual misconduct by 24 women.
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Watson, 27, struggled on his return to the field. He completed 58.2% of pass attempts for 1,102 yards and seven touchdowns against five interceptions, going 3-3 as the team’s starting QB.
Cleveland’s offense actually fared better under journeyman Jacoby Brissett, who had 12 passing touchdowns against six interceptions in his 11 games. The Browns finished last in the AFC North with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.