Deshaun Watson is headed to Cleveland for 5 years and $230 million assured — an NFL document — regardless of reviews that the present Texans quarterback was not desirous about becoming a member of the Browns franchise following talks earlier this week, per Adam Schefter. In return, Texans will obtain three first-round picks and two further picks.
Browns QB Baker Mayfield has been via the wringer this week, because the Browns have pulled the rug out from beneath him a number of occasions in a row pertaining to his future with the franchise, but it surely seems like a commerce request that had been denied only a few days in the past could also be granted to Mayfield now.
Watson sat out all the 2021-22 season as a wholesome scratch after being accused of sexual misconduct and sexual assault by 22 completely different ladies. After prosecutors determined to not indict Watson, he nonetheless faces 22 civil lawsuits, but the NFL has apparently determined that’s not unhealthy sufficient for it, as groups moved ahead, performing like every little thing is ok, providing Watson a record-setting assured wage.
Watson’s base wage for 2022 shall be $1 million, permitting him to reduce his monetary losses if he does, the truth is, face a suspension from the league. His signing bonus is $45 million. His contract is nearly $80 million greater than the $150.7M assured that Aaron Rodgers will get from the Packers.
Although the NFL might (and may) technically examine the claims made towards Watson and droop him if it sees match, Watson’s expertise will in all probability preclude him from league penalties, as demonstrated by the $230 million {dollars} and a number of first-round draft picks the Browns are prepared and keen to supply up.
It’s a disappointing, if not surprising, improvement within the Watson saga, a lot of which is able to seemingly be forgotten if he’s in a position to take the Browns to the playoffs. The Browns have supplied a five-year contract, with $184 million paid out over the primary 4 years — a giant bump up from his present contract with Houston.
