The Cleveland Browns have again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s massive contract to create salary-cap space and give them future flexibility, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Friday.

Watson has been limited to just 19 games in three seasons because of an NFL suspension and injuries with the Browns, who signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022.

The restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team does not disclose contract specifics.

The 29-year-old Watson has two years remaining on his contract with an average of $46 million a year, and with a salary-cap hit of $72.9 million in those seasons. The agreement to restructure his deal will not preclude the Browns from adding talent at the quarterback position in 2025, the person said.

Watson played in only seven games this season before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. He’s 9-10 as a starter with Cleveland.

The Browns (3-12) have been a major disappointment after making it to the playoffs a year ago behind Joe Flacco, who was signed as a free agent after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Watson had surgery in October and is expected to make a full recovery. While the team hasn’t disclosed its plans at quarterback, it’s assumed Watson will be in the mix to be the starter next season.

It’s also possible the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round. The team hasn’t had a first-round pick the past three years after trading three to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson, who was once considered one of the league’s elite QBs.

The major investment in Watson and the salary-cap ramifications of his contract — the largest fully guaranteed deal in league history — have made it difficult for the Browns to upgrade their roster.

Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of his first season in Cleveland after an independent arbiter ruled he violated the conduct policy after he was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.

Hurts is out for Eagles

Jalen Hurts is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, forcing the Philadelphia Eagles to play against Dallas without their star quarterback.

The Eagles will turn to backup Kenny Pickett on Sunday because Hurts is still dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion suffered against Washington.

Hurts was injured early at Washington after his head slammed against the ground on one run and he was hit in the helmet by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu at the end of another.

The 26-year-old Hurts did not practice this week, leaving Pickett — who suffered a rib injury in relief action against the Commanders — in line for his first start as an Eagle.

Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards against the Commanders, throwing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and an interception.

Briefly

Jets >> New York kicker Greg Zuerlein will be activated from injured reserve and will play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Wide receiver Davante Adams is also questionable, but likely to play after participating on a limited basis Friday because of a hip ailment.

NFL >> A California appeals court has overturned the rape conviction of former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield after determining prosecutors made racially discriminatory statements during the Black man’s trial.