How much money is Deshaun Watson losing over suspension?

The Deshaun Watson suspension has officially been handed down with the Browns QB out for 11 games, but how much money will he lose while suspended?

Deshaun Watson has been suspended for 11 games in the 2022 season and will be assessed a $5 million fine following a settlement between the Cleveland Browns quarterback, the NFLPA and the NFL.

Initially, a six-game suspension was decided upon by Judge Sue L. Robinson but the league immediately set in motion the process to appeal that decision as they reportedly wanted to send a message. That, in turn, put Watson and his team on the defense and eventually led to a search for a settlement.

While an NFL player is suspended, they are unable to get paid their salary from the contract that they signed with a given team. So as we look at this lengthy suspension for Watson, who signed a $230 million guaranteed contract with Cleveland after the trade to the Browns was completed, how much money is he set to lose?

Deshaun Watson suspension: How much money will Browns QB lose?

The formula to figure out the money lost for Watson is quite simple as you simply divide his 17-game base salary by the number of games he was suspended.

However, when the Browns traded for and signed the quarterback, they knew that a suspension was forthcoming and, as such, they attempted to protect Watson from any financial losses as they signed him, a decision that’s been controversial. His base salary is a measly $1 million for the 2022 season, meaning that was the maximum he would be set to lose.

With the suspension handed down on Thursday, Deshaun Watson will only lose $647,058 (and some change) for his time missed this year. Of course, there is also a $5 million fine attached to that.

Even still, that leaves Watson with $224 million and a little more on his contract for the remainder of it. Hardly a financial penalty despite the suspension levied against him.