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Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson's contract

Thu Aug 29 10:19pm ET
Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract in a move that created $35.83 million in salary cap space, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

Per the reports, the Browns converted $44.79 million of Watson's $46 million base salary this season into a signing bonus. The move gives the Browns more than $62 million in cap space.

Also on Thursday, Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley, leaving the Browns with Watson, Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the quarterback room ahead of the season opener against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.

The Browns adjusted Watson's NFL-record $230 million fully guaranteed deal prior to the start of free agency in 2023, clearing approximately $36 million in cap space.

Watson, 28, will have cap hits of $72.9 million in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with $172 million and $99 million in dead cap hits, respectively.

Watson has played just 12 games for the Browns over two seasons since they acquired him from the Houston Texans. He served an 11-game suspension to begin the 2022 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, in connection to lawsuits from more than two dozen female massage therapists alleging sexual harassment and assault.

Then, multiple injuries limited Watson to six games in 2023, when he threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes.

Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with Houston, has thrown for 16,756 yards, 118 touchdowns and 45 interceptions in 66 games (65 starts) since entering the league in 2017. He has a 36-29 record as a starter.

Huntley signed a one-year, $1.29 million contract with the Browns in March.

Huntley, 26, spent four seasons as a backup to Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2022 after completing 67 percent of his passes for 658 yards and two TDs with three interceptions in six games (four starts).

Huntley has thrown for 1,957 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 20 games (nine starts) with the Ravens. He signed with Baltimore in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Utah.

In another move Thursday, the Browns re-signed running back D'Onta Foreman, 28, after releasing him on Tuesday.

Foreman had signed a one-year deal with the Browns, his fifth NFL team, in April. He rushed for 425 yards and four TDs in nine games (eight starts) with the Chicago Bears in 2023.

A third-round pick by Houston in 2017, Foreman has gained 2,668 yards from scrimmage with 17 touchdowns in 52 games (21 starts) with the Texans (2017-18), Tennessee Titans (2020-21), Carolina Panthers (2022) and Bears.

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Player Notes
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From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Aug 30 8:40am CT
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From RotoBaller

Tony Jefferson Aug 30 12:53am CT
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From TheHuddle

Sheldon Day Aug 30 12:53am CT
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The Washington Commanders signed free-agent DL Sheldon Day (Vikings) to the practice squad on Thursday, Aug. 29.

From TheHuddle

Myles Gaskin Aug 29 10:30pm CT
Myles Gaskin

According to Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, the surprising decision to waive running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu on Tuesday was mostly about their belief in Myles Gaskin. Gaskin is currently on the practice squad, but he's likely to be elevated to the game-day roster in Week 1 to serve as the team's No. 3 RB and kick returner. He'll be behind starter Aaron Jones and backup Ty Chandler on the RB depth chart. The 27-year-old has returned only eight kicks between his college and NFL career, but the Vikes liked what they have seen in training camp. In the end, Gaskin proved more versatile on special teams and as a pass-protector in the backfield than Nwangwu. Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick 2019 by the Miami Dolphins, won't have any fantasy value unless one of Jones or Chandler miss time with injury in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Aug 29 9:13pm CT
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From Dynasty League Fantasy

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 9:13pm CT
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Dynasty | The 49ers have signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that was painful, Aiyuk's contract status has been the source of more ups and downs than a roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm but he ends up staying with San Francisco and gets a four-year, $120 million contract extension that will keep him under team control through 2028. It's another massive deal for the 49ers, who now have a whopping eight players making more than $15 per season and one quarterback who is going to be in need for his own extension in a couple of years. Aiyuk should provide low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 as he attempts to build on his 75/1,342/7 breakout last season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Courtland Sutton Aug 29 9:13pm CT
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From TheHuddle

Emanuel Wilson Aug 29 9:00pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has an excellent chance to open the season as the team's second-string running back behind Josh Jacobs. Per their depth chart, Wilson is listed as the Packers' third-string back. However, with rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) missing time, the door is open for Wilson to take on a more significant role. Green Bay is scheduled to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their regular season opener next Friday night. Unless there is an update on the rookie's status, Wilson will open the season as the second to receive carries out of the backfield. Though the second-year undrafted free agent hasn't received much workload thus far in his NFL career, he has run well when given the chance. Fantasy managers should keep him on their radar for now, as although he may not garner much standalone value, he would be an asset to roster if he were Jacobs' handcuff.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Wilson Aug 29 8:40pm CT
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From RotoBaller

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From RotoBaller

Tip Reiman Aug 29 8:20pm CT
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From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Aug 29 7:53pm CT
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Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is making good progress in his recovery and has a chance to play in Week 1 depending on how he feels during practice leading up to the game, according to head coach Brian Callahan.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor Hopkins' practice participation next week to have a better idea of his status for Week 1. He is a weekly starting option in all leagues when healthy, but fantasy players should have a backup plan ready in case he sits out.

From TheHuddle

Nick Vannett Aug 29 7:43pm CT
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Chidobe Awuzie Aug 29 7:33pm CT
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Joey Bosa Aug 29 6:23pm CT
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Haason Reddick Aug 29 6:20pm CT
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From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Aug 29 6:15pm CT
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The Dallas Cowboys signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year extension this week, and with that situation taken care of, all eyes shift toward quarterback Dak Prescott. The former fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State is entering the final year of his current deal, and time is running out to reach an extension before Week 1 of the regular season. However, team owner Jerry Jones said the situation remains unchanged, and Todd Archer of ESPN reports the two sides don't appear to be close to a deal. This will be a situation worth monitoring, but there is no indication Prescott will miss any game action if he heads into the season without a long-term contract. With the Cowboys' rushing attack likely to be downgraded this season, Dallas could have a pass-happier offense in 2024. Prescott could be a value pick as his QB10 ADP, especially if he sees additional red zone carries and pass attempts.

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 6:11pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has signed a four-year extension with the team, ending his long holdout.

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 6:00pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has signed a four-year extension with the organization on Thursday. Finally, the drama is over as Aiyuk will be tied to the team for the next five seasons. The 49ers were forced to open their wallet as they will give Aiyuk $120 million over the next four seasons. Fantasy managers can now safely draft Aiyuk without any worries of him sitting out or a trade happening. Last season, Aiyuk finished with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns in 16 games. The 26-year-old keeps getting better and should remain a focal point in this offense for years to come. He should have enough time to get ready in time for the regular season, so fantasy managers should have Aiyuk in their lineups for Week 1.

From RotoBaller