The wait is over. After a whole lot of speculation surrounding the quarterback's future, Deshaun Watson informed the Houston Texans that he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. This surprising news came after Team Watson reportedly informed the Browns and Carolina Panthers that they were out of the running for his services.
Deshaun Watson has decided he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns in a stunning change of events, per sources. Watson has informed the Houston Texans that he now is willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract to be dealt to Cleveland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
The Texans later traded Watson to the Browns in exchange for three first-round draft picks and two additional picks.
This week, Watson met with the Browns, Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons. In addition, there was a (very) short-lived rumor initiated by Jordan Schultz that the quarterback would also meet with the San Francisco 49ers. However, that report was quickly debunked by several reputable reporters.
After Watson initially informed Cleveland that they were out of the running, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield requested a trade. The Browns said they would not grant his wish. That will now change with Watson headed to Cleveland.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Watson will receive a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
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
The Texans drafted Watson (6-2, 215) out of Clemson with the No. 12 overall pick in 2017. The quarterback has not played since 2020, when he completed 70.2 percent of his passes for a league-leading 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
With the Watson situation nearly resolved, the 49ers can soon move forward with trying to trade their starting quarterback of the past four-and-a-half seasons, Jimmy Garoppolo. San Francisco was left waiting to see where the former Texan would land and which quarterback-needy teams would remain from that pursuit.
Watson sought a trade and did not play in 2021 after expressing displeasure with the future direction of the Texans organization. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback later faced several lawsuits from women accusing him of harassment and sexual assault. However, the Harris County, Texas, grand jury declined to indict Watson of the criminal sexual misconduct charges.
"A grand jury in Harris County returned nine no bills on the nine criminal complaints presented to it," wrote ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "As a result, the criminal proceedings in Harris County have concluded, according to prosecutor Johna Stallings."
Watson, 26, has completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 14,539 yards with 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 54 game appearances and 53 starts through his four NFL seasons played.
