Deshaun Watson Agrees To Cleveland Browns Trade

That was a quick 180.

Just days after snubbing the Browns, now-former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a move to—and an unheralded new contract with—Cleveland.

Watson Friday posted on Instagram a Photoshopped image of himself in a Browns uniform with the caption, “Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! #DawgPound Ready To Work!”

Last week, a grand jury declined to charge Watson over numerous sexual allegations, but he still faces 22 civil lawsuits. He could also face potential NFL discipline.

“I felt it was the right move for our organization as we head into the new league year focused on building our roster for the 2022 season,” Texans GM Nick Caserio said.

Watson will receive a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract from the Browns—it’s the highest guaranteed value in league history.

The Texans are sending with Watson and a fifth-round pick in 2024 in exchange for a first-round pick in the next three drafts, a 2023 third-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-rounder.

“Any transaction would have no effect on the NFL’s ongoing and comprehensive investigation of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. “Nor would it affect his status under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy.

“If the league’s investigation determines that Watson violated the Personal Conduct Policy, discipline may be imposed pursuant to the policy and the CBA.”

Article by Andrew Corselli