What did it take for the Cleveland Browns to make the blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson happen? The Texans are getting a handful of draft picks.
Circumstances can change quickly in the NFL. One minute, the Browns were in the running for Deshaun Watson. The next, they were eliminated from contention and their relationship with Baker Mayfield was shattered. And the next, they were getting a trade deal done.
The end result? Deshaun Watson is the Browns’ new franchise quarterback.
Cleveland ended giving up a slew of first-round draft picks to make it happen.
Deshaun Watson trade details revealed
Texans Get
2022, 2023, 2024 1st Rd Picks
2023 3rd Rd Pick
2024 4th Rd Pick
Browns Get
QB Deshaun Watson
2024 5th Rd Pick
According to Albert Breer, the Texans are getting an absolute haul in exchange for Watson. Cleveland’s first-round picks for 2022, ’23 and ’24 are now in the hands of Houston. Future third and fourth-round picks are also on the way.
Along with Watson, the Browns are getting a 2024 fifth-round selection to sweeten the deal.
Cleveland also worked out a five-year contract with their new quarterback, paying him $230 million in guaranteed money over five years, Breer reported. That shatters the previous record for guaranteed money in the NFL, which belonged to Aaron Rodgers at $150.7 million.
The Texans will hope to rebuild with those first-rounders while the Browns are going all-in on Watson as their ticket to a Super Bowl.
Watson was a Pro Bowl quarterback in three of his first four seasons in the league, delivering 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns with just seen interceptions during the 2020 season.
However, that was the last time he played in the NFL, sitting out the entirety of the 2021 season. Shortly after he pushed for a trade out of Houston, following a 4-12 season, Watson was hit with 22 civil lawsuits by female masseuses who claimed he acted inappropriately in a sexual manner during sessions. His NFL future has been in limbo ever since.
Recently, a Texas grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against Watson, clearing the way for his trade to go forward.