Deshaun Watson has finally decided where he wants to play in 2022. The Browns will trade for Watson, who will waive his no-trade clause to make the deal happen. After the trade, Cleveland will reportedly sign him to a five-year, $230 million contract. Houston will receive three first round picks, a third round pick and a fifth round pick in the trade.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news via Twitter on Friday.
Deshaun Watson will be the new QB of the Cleveland Browns. A real thing. The #Browns will now trade Baker Mayfield.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022
Watson was originally drafted by the Texans with the 12th pick of the first round by the Houston Texans. Ahead of the 2021 season, Watson said he would no longer play for the Texans and would request a trade to another team. In that same time frame, over 20 women came forward and accused Watson of sexual harrassment. While he still faces civil cases, there will be no criminal charges filed against the 26-year-old quarterback.
He has made the Pro Bowl three times, and led the entire NFL in passing yards during the 2020 season, with 4,823 yards. The 2020 season was the last time he saw game action, and he managed to throw 33 touchdowns and rush for three more. With the Watson signing, quarterback Baker Mayfield, who requested a trade from the Browns, will now very likely get his wish. The trade had a dramatic impact on the Browns betting markets, as well. For example, at BetMGM, the Browns odds to win the Super Bowl went from +3500 to +1600, trailing only the Bills, Chiefs, and Broncos of AFC teams.
Stay tuned for more breaking NFL news, including extensive 2022 NFL free agency coverage.
Featured image courtesy of Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports
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