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The Cleveland Browns may have found a potential loophole in quarterback Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed contract, according to ProFootballTalks Mike Florio.
Watson had already incurred fines for three separate violations during Monday Night Football against the Steelers, raising concerns about his conduct on the field.
The contract’s language allows the team to void future guarantees under certain conditions, including suspensions resulting from on-field infractions.
The contract specifies that all future guarantees would be voided for any NFL-imposed suspension, with an exception for two specific types of suspensions related to on-field rule violations.
Guarantees remain intact if Watson is suspended for no more than one game for rule violations or if the suspension results from non-egregious conduct, as determined by the team.
In essence, this means that Watson’s future guarantees could be at risk if he receives a suspension of two or more games for on-field rule violations or if the Browns deem his conduct as “egregious.”
Considering Watson’s recent infractions, including face mask fines and a fine for a “violent gesture” during a celebration, the possibility of future violations and suspensions looms.
If the Browns label his conduct as “egregious,” they could invalidate the guarantees, potentially leading to a grievance from the NFL Players Association.
In any case, the situation remains fluid, and the fate of Deshaun Watson’s future guarantees hinges on his conduct on the field.
If Watson continues to engage in questionable behavior, the stakes for both the player and the team could not be higher, with $138 million in future guarantees hanging in the balance.