As if the quarterback movement that had taken place prior to Friday blockbuster trade wasn’t enough to leave ones head spinning, this certainly did it.
After an entire week of rumors that controversial Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was going to choose between the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, or Cleveland Browns as a possible trade destination, it was the Browns who end up winning the Watson sweepstakes.
According to reports the Texans are to receive three first round picks, a third round pick and a fourth round pick, while a fifth rounder heads back to Cleveland along with Watson.
In addition, Watson agreed to a new five-year $230 million, with $184 million in the first four years of the contract, from the Browns. All the money is fully guaranteed, making him the highest paid quarterback in the league as far as guaranteed money is concerned. Amazing considering that Watson, who, while he was cleared of criminal charges, is still facing litigation over 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault.
In fact, the Watson trade brings the entire drama full circle. A year ago Watson demanded a trade from Houston, even after he signed a mega contract to stay a Texan. The Dolphins, Jets and Eagles were all rumored suitors at the time. Soon-thereafter reports started coming out that Watson was being sued by multiple women alleging sexual assault.
Watson didn’t play at all in 2021 as the cloud of criminal charges hung over he head. He was finally cleared of criminality a week ago by a Texas Grand Jury.
The Browns were believed to be out of the mix at one point this week in the Watson sweeps, and it was believed the Falcons and Saints were the favorites. Instead, Watson chose Cleveland.
What does this mean? It means that Baker Mayfield, who made it clear that he was bothered by Cleveland’s pursuit of Watson will get his wish and will be traded. Rumors are he prefers the Indianapolis Colts, who traded Carson Wentz over to Washington last week.
Meanwhile, the Saints are expected to re-sign Jamies Winston for the 2022 season.
The intriguing development is going to be in Atlanta with the Falcons and Matt Ryan.
Reports surfaced that Falcons owner Arthur Blank wanted to bring Watson in, even tough he has a Pro Bowl quarterback, who once took his franchise to a Super Bowl in Matt Ryan.
The Falcons agreed to push back Ryan’s $7.5 million roster bonus back to next Tuesday, so he can explore his trade options. It is hard to imagine that the Falcons can just turn around and kiss and make-up with Ryan after this. They left Ryan with a decimated roster last year, and are willing to simply kick him out the door now.
If Ryan can find a team he wants to play for, the Colts and Seahawks remain viable options. It’s hard to imagine the Texans would be a destination, since they seemed determined to go with Davis Mills for a second straight season.
If teams feel they can move on, especially in an era where quarterbacks are making the most money in the NFL, teams are going to look for other options. It's the world we live in. Just look at the focus on making quick decisions on young quarterbacks in a rookie contract. No longer can quarterback struggle or learn on the job over 2-3 years. Teams need answers instantly.
It's a troubling trend. But everyone is looking at what the Rams and Lions did last year in the Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford trade, and are thinking 'why not us.'
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