Browns GM explains reasoning for Deshaun Watson's suspension-proof 2022 salary

Friday, the Cleveland Browns introduced Deshaun Watson, and GM Andrew Berry faced questions for the first time since the signing. Notably, he was asked about the structure of Watson’s contract — especially the virtually suspension-proof salary for 2022.

Per the terms of Watson’s contract, he’ll make a $1.035 million base salary in the first year of that deal, according to Pro Football Talk. Then, if the NFL suspends him, Cleveland doesn’t take a big salary cap hit. Watson is currently facing 22 civil cases regarding alleged sexual misconduct.

A reporter asked Berry about that detail, and he declared it a “football decision” and cited “flexibility” as a factor.

“We certainly understand the optics of it,” Berry told reporters. “I think for us, after we got comfortable with Deshaun, the contract was really a football decision. The things that were important to us, from a club perspective, were to have Deshaun under contract for another year and to have it structured in a manner that would allow us maximum flexibility to execute the rest of our offseason plan. And that’s specifically true as we kind of facilitate the next step with Baker and Baker’s contracts on our cap.

“I think probably the other thing to mention is that structure is very similar to … a lot of the larger player contracts that we already have on the books.”

The reporter followed up by asking about the league potentially having an issue with the contract structure. Berry didn’t answer it, referring to the NFL office.

“That’s not something I can speak to,” Berry said. “That’s probably a better question for the league. I can just talk through, really, the club considerations from our perspective.”

Deshaun Watson comments on ongoing legal issues, civil cases

Deshaun Watson is getting a fresh start in the NFL with a new team, but that doesn’t mean he’s officially clear from his legal issues. Currently faced with 22 total lawsuits accusing the quarterback of sexual assault and harassment, Watson – who was recently traded from the Houston Texans to Cleveland Browns – is still right in the middle of the mess as he makes the move.

During his introductory press conference as a member of the Browns on Friday, Watson faced questions about his ongoing legal issues and civil cases and provided a brief statement on the important matter.

“I understand the whole circumstances are very difficult, especially for the women’s side of the fans in this community,” Watson said. “Like I’ve mentioned before, I’ve never assaulted any woman. I’ve never disrespected any woman. I was raised by a single parent mom who has two aunties as her sisters. … That’s who raised me.

“I was raised to be genuine and respect everyone and everything around me. So, I’ve always defended that, and I’ll continue to stand on that. I just want the opportunity to show who I really am in the community.”