Browns trade for QB Watson
Deshaun Watson changed his mind. The Browns have their franchise quarterback, one with some extra heavy baggage.
Watson decided to waive his no-trade clause and the controversial QB accepted a trade to Cleveland after previously rejecting the team, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Friday.
Watson, who didn’t play last season for Houston, had informed the Browns on Thursday that he wasn’t coming. However, he had a change of heart and called the team Friday, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the imminent trade.
The Browns are paying a hefty price for Watson, sending the Texans three first-round draft picks along with a third- and fourth-rounder for the 26-year-old. Cleveland will also get back a fifth-rounder from Houston with Watson.
Watson posted a photo on Instagram of him wearing a No. 4 Browns jersey and flexing. He wrote: “Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! #DawgPound Ready To Work!”
He should be happy. Watson’s also receiving a five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract, a record for any NFL player.
Watson will be joining a Cleveland team with plenty of talent, but one that underachieved last season and has been in search of a franchise quarterback for years. The three-time Pro Bowler became a target of the Browns after a grand jury declined to indict him on sexual misconduct claims made by 22 women.
Watson is still dealing with civil lawsuits from the women, massage therapists who accused him of assault and harassment. He’s also possibly facing suspension for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.
The trade will not affect the league’s inquiry into Watson.
