In a deal the NFL world thought had flatlined, the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans agreed Friday to a blockbuster trade which sends embattled QB DeShaun Watson to Cleveland in exchange for three, first round Browns draft picks from 2022-through-2024, a 2023 third round pick, and a fourth rounder in 2024 in exchange for Watson and a fifth round selection in 2024.
Watson has agreed to waive is no-trade clause, come to Cleveland and sign a record contract for $230 million over five years, fully guaranteed. Watson sat out the entire 2021 season with the Texans after requesting a trade and after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against him from 22 different women.
Watson learned seven days ago he would not face criminal charges stemming from the womens' claims but he still faces possible civil suits. Watson replaces Baker Mayfield, who will now likely be traded if there's a suitor.
Mayfield, Thursday, requested a trade from the Browns which the team reportedly declined but that is likely to change since Watson is on his way to the C-L-E. Houston tabbed Watson 12th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, a pick they ironically received in a draft day trade with the Browns.
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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