Deshaun Watson has found his new NFL home. Despite turning down the Cleveland Browns earlier this week, Watson, who was also courted by the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints, ultimately decided to waive his no-trade clause to land in the AFC North.
Deshaun Watson agrees to join Browns in blockbuster deal
As part of the trade, Watson will receive a new fully guaranteed five-year deal, worth $230 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Browns will also send a package of draft picks, including three first-round selections, to the Houston Texans.
After waiting over a year to trade Watson, the Texans ultimately received the package of compensation they desired for the controversial QB, who still faces 22 open civil cases stemming from accusations of sexual misconduct.
For now, though, the NFL has its answer as to where Watson will play next, as he has agreed to join the Browns this offseason.
Watson trade compensation
The Browns and Texans have agreed to the following trade, according to Rapoport:
The Browns receive: QB Deshaun Watson and a fifth-round pick
The Texans receive: Three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick
Let’s grade the trade.
Houston Texans
The Texans had to wait over a year to trade Watson after the disgruntled star requested to be moved last March. Watson was soon met with several allegations of sexual misconduct by nearly two dozen massage therapists. Eventually, he faced 10 criminal complaints and 22 civil suits stemming from the allegations.
Last week, a grand jury decided against indicting Watson on nine criminal complaints, citing a lack of evidence. Once the prospect of jail time was eliminated, the market for Watson became clearer. The Texans then set up meetings for four teams (Browns, Falcons, Panthers and Saints) with Watson.
While Watson initially turned down the Browns and the Panthers, he eventually decided to land in Cleveland. As a result, the Texans were able to get their desired haul — three first-round picks — and then some from the Browns.
The Texans are receiving three first-round picks and more for a controversial player who still faces 22 open civil suits related to sexual misconduct allegations. He is no longer their controversial employee. The Texans are now officially over the Watson era and have the assets to rebuild.
The trade package also includes the Browns’ 13th overall pick, which could help the team land premium talent to go along with their own third overall pick in April’s draft. They’ll also have two first-round picks in each of the next two years.
GRADE: A
Cleveland Browns
With Watson agreeing to head to the Browns, the team is in for a firestorm of rough publicity. While Watson, when healthy, is a top-five QB talent, he’s coming with a ton of baggage and will be faced with the backlash of questions and concerns about the accusations he faces on the civil level.
There’s also a strong possibility that the NFL eventually responds to Watson’s accusations with a punishment — likely in the form of a multiple-game suspension — based on the high volume of accusations that he faces.
There is no trial date for the civil suits, and the NFL’s independent investigation — began last March — is ongoing. So, the process could take a while to sort out.
From an on-the-field standpoint, the Browns acquired an incredible dual-threat talent who should be able to push the already talented Cleveland roster into the playoffs and beyond. The Browns know that they will take heat locally and nationally for acquiring Watson, a controversial figure. But they are hoping that the long-term payoff will help them win a Super Bowl or two.
Watson is only 26, has a cannon arm, and nearly unparalleled mobility at the position. He will make every player around him better in the passing game, unlike their incumbent QB Baker Mayfield, who faced criticism for his performance with Odell Beckham Jr. over the past two years.
Watson will be an excellent match for the likes of tight end David Njoku, wideout Amari Cooper, and running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. He’s an explosive talent who can make others more efficient on offense.
Huge risk remains for Browns
The Browns are taking a huge risk by trading for Watson. If he is suspended for a long period of time, they’ll be unquestionably exposed at QB. There’s also a chance that they don’t see the return on their investment until 2023, but this trade was clearly made for the long-term future.
It’s easy to look at this trade and say the Browns acquired an elite talent at the most important position in sports for three first-round picks and two mid-round selections. But given what Watson still faces off-the-field, it’s hard to feel completely comfortable with this move. Even as the Browns fully guarantee Watson a record-breaking $230 million deal.
GRADE: B