Deshaun Watson, in a stunning turn of events picks the Cleveland Browns

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Originally there were four teams in the running to land Deshaun Watson, the All-Pro Quarterback. The Panthers, Saints, Falcons, and Browns. But Cleveland along with Carolina reportedly dropped out of the running only two days ago but never stopped recruiting. Many had the Georgia native and former ball boy for the Atlanta Falcons returning as a player for his hometown team.

When the trade is finalized by both Cleveland and Houston, Watson is expected to sign a five year/$230 million dollar contract that is fully guaranteed. The Browns would send three first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a late-round pick swap, a fourth for a fifth-round pick to the Texans for just Deshaun Watson. Ironically, in the 2017 NFL draft, the Browns traded to 12th overall pick to the Texans who used it to get Watson. Now Cleveland has traded to get him and everything has come full circle.

His contract would be the most guaranteed money on a single contract in NFL history: $230 million. Here’s a list of quarterbacks he is ahead in guaranteed money: Aaron Rodgers: $150.7 million, Josh Allen: $150 million, Patrick Mahomes: $141.5 million, and Dak Prescott: $126 million.

A fresh start was needed as his time in Houston ended on bad terms. From the team trading a key player like Deandre Hopkins and releasing JJ Watt, frustration was building up over the years. Tensions began with the team began at the end of the 2020 season. On the other hand, the QB sat out all of the 2021 season. A well-rested Watson can now come and play for a new organization with ease. Everyone knows in football players aren’t always at 100% percent, with so many hits you take, you don’t get enough time to get proper rest and heal.

Let’s talk about what Cleveland’s offense looks like now. First, the departure of Jarvis Landry is a blow to the weapons available to Deshaun, but the team already made plans to accommodate that. Watson will now play with Amari Cooper who the team recently acquired via trade from Dallas. Second-year receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones has proven he can step up as a reliable number two option. The two-headed monster in the backfield with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Chubb has already proven he is a top-3 running back in the NFL.

So the future looks bright in Cleveland if this can all work out. Watson gets the fresh start he was looking for and the Texans now go to rebuild mode. The question ow being asked around the league is will the Watson trade bring the Browns the AFC North title? Stay tuned for more on this continuing saga.