Deshaun Watson shocked the NFL world Friday afternoon by choosing the Cleveland Browns.
He was able to dictate his next destination and seemingly flipped to the Browns at the last minute, leaving teams like the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints in shock.
Fans knew a trade would come at a steep price, but did they know it would be this steep?
Deshaun Watson gets a fully guaranteed 5 year $230M contract. That is $80M more than the previous record for fully guaranteed money at signing ($150M). This deal was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. https://t.co/nQls9WRpD1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022
He is getting a fully guaranteed, $230 million deal.
That blows by all NFL records for guaranteed money and explains why he chose the Browns.
He could not pass up on this money.
Texans Benefit In The Deal As Well
Much of the focus is on the money going to the quarterback.
But the Houston Texans are getting plenty in return as well.
What is now thought to be the final compensation in today’s seismic trade:
🏈Browns get: Deshaun Watson and a 5th-round pick.
🏈Texans get: three first-round picks, a third-round pick and a fourth-round pick. https://t.co/nOtoRVIlGp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
The team is reportedly getting three first-rounders, a third-rounder, and a fourth-rounder to dump their former franchise quarterback.
No players seem to be involved in the deal, but the three first-round picks are expensive enough.
The fallout here spans several teams.
The Browns now need to trade Baker Mayfield, the Atlanta Falcons have to make Matt Ryan feel wanted, and the New Orleans Saints are in need of an upgrade as well.
Fans are also waiting to see if Watson is going to be hit with a suspension.
Such a trade is franchise-altering for the Browns and will be a top story throughout the remainder of the year.
Unfortunately, the move is one that is polarizing for fans given his alleged actions.
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