Deshaun Watson to Browns Trade Shakes Up the NFL
As if the quarterback movement that had taken place prior to Friday blockbuster trade wasn’t enough to leave ones head spinning, this certainly did it.
After an entire week of rumors that controversial Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was going to choose between the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, or Cleveland Browns as a possible trade destination, it was the Browns who end up winning the Watson sweepstakes.
According to reports the Texans are to receive three first round picks, a third round pick and a fourth round pick, while a fifth rounder heads back to Cleveland along with Watson.
Most guaranteed money on a single contract in NFL history:
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 18, 2022
Deshaun Watson $230 million
Aaron Rodgers: $150.7 million
Josh Allen: $150 million
Patrick Mahomes: $141.5 million
Dak Prescott: $126 million@ESPNStatsInfo
In addition, Watson agreed to a new five-year $230 million, with $184 million in the first four years of the contract, from the Browns. All the money is fully guaranteed, making him the highest paid quarterback in the league as far as guaranteed money is concerned. Amazing considering that Watson, who, while he was cleared of criminal charges, is still facing litigation over 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault.
After not playing last season and still facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, it says a lot about the NFL’s attitude toward QBs that the Browns are giving Deshaun Watson a brand new contract before the extension he signed in September 2020 has even started.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) March 18, 2022
In fact, the Watson trade brings the entire drama full circle. A year ago Watson demanded a trade from Houston, even after he signed a mega contract to stay a Texan. The Dolphins, Jets and Eagles were all rumored suitors at the time. Soon-thereafter reports started coming out that Watson was being sued by multiple women alleging sexual assault.
Watson didn’t play at all in 2021 as the cloud of criminal charges hung over he head. He was finally cleared of criminality a week ago by a Texas Grand Jury.
The Browns were believed to be out of the mix at one point this week in the Watson sweeps, and it was believed the Falcons and Saints were the favorites. Instead, Watson chose Cleveland.
What does this mean? It means that Baker Mayfield, who made it clear that he was bothered by Cleveland’s pursuit of Watson will get his wish and will be traded. Rumors are he prefers the Indianapolis Colts, who traded Carson Wentz over to Washington last week.
Baker Mayfield just told ESPN: “It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
Meanwhile, the Saints are expected to re-sign Jamies Winston for the 2022 season.
The intriguing development is going to be in Atlanta with the Falcons and Matt Ryan.
The #Falcons don’t deserve Matt Ryan. He has poured his blood, sweat, and tears into this franchise since day 1. He inherited a broken team and brought ATL to new heights. He’s a future HOF, and still his name has been disparaged by “fans” for years. We LOVE you ICE, always ❤️ pic.twitter.com/K6TZwBCOxW
— ATL Sports Scoop (@atlsportsscoop) March 17, 2022
Reports surfaced that Falcons owner Arthur Blank wanted to bring Watson in, even tough he has a Pro Bowl quarterback, who once took his franchise to a Super Bowl in Matt Ryan.
The Falcons agreed to push back Ryan’s $7.5 million roster bonus back to next Tuesday, so he can explore his trade options. It is hard to imagine that the Falcons can just turn around and kiss and make-up with Ryan after this. They left Ryan with a decimated roster last year, and are willing to simply kick him out the door now.
If Ryan can find a team he wants to play for, the Colts and Seahawks remain viable options. It’s hard to imagine the Texans would be a destination, since they seemed determined to go with Davis Mills for a second straight season.
Just a reminder: Falcons and Matt Ryan agreed to push back the $7.5 million roster bonus due to the Atlanta QB today until Tuesday, giving Ryan four extra days to vet his trade options, per sources. pic.twitter.com/VzZBL9S4q5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
So with all the quarterback shuffling this is what it looks like right now:
Deshaun Watson – previous team: Houston Texans. New team: Cleveland Browns.
Aaron Rodgers – Previous team: Green Bay Packers. New Team: Green Bay Packers – took huge contract extension.
Tom Brady – Previous team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – comes out of retirement.
Mitchell Trubisky – Previous team: Buffalo Bills. New Team: Pittsburgh Steelers — will become a starter again after a year as a back-up in Buffalo.
Russell Wilson – Previous Team: Seattle Seahawks. New Team: Denver Broncos – was traded from Seattle to Denver for draft picks.
Carson Wentz – Previous Team: Indianapolis Colts. New Team: Washington Commanders.
Baker Mayfield – Previous Team: Cleveland Browns. New Team: TBA
Matt Ryan – Previous Team: Atlanta Falcons. New Team: TBA
Jamies Winston – Previous Team: New Orleans Saints. New Team: TBA (likely returns to Saints).
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts as he walks off the field after Cleveland defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 21-1 at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
