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Deshaun Watson just made history after the Cleveland Browns offered him a five-year, $230 million GUARANTEED contract, which sets a new record for the highest guarantee given to an NFL player.
On the flip side, Deshaun is still facing 22 civil suits from women who accused him of assault and harassment. Deets inside…
The roller coaster off-season continues as the Cleveland Browns just made a HISTORIC deal to acquire Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans with a blockbuster deal.
The embattled QB, who last week received word that a grand jury would NOT indict him following a lawsuit filed by 22 women who accused him of sexual assault and harassment, is getting a second chance in a MAJOR way.
After the Browns denied their franchise QB Baker Mayfield’s request for a trade, it looks like they’ve changed their minds. They offered Deshaun a history-making $230 million, five-year deal GUARANTEED after he waived his No Trade clause with the Texans. The 26-year-old NFLer had a change of heart after previously rejecting the Browns.
It’s the largest guaranteed amount in NFL history, $80 million more than the previous high set when QB Aaron Rodgers finalized his extension with the Green Bay Packers this week.
Celebrating the news about his new starting position on social media, the embattled QB posted a photo of himself wearing a No. 4 Browns jersey while flexing with the caption, “Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! #DawgPound Ready To Work!”
He’ll be the face of its organization and the highest-paid player in the NFL. Must be nice!
The move comes just one week after a Texas grand jury declined to indict and criminally charge him for sexual misconduct allegations made by nearly two dozen women. Throughout the ordeal, Deshaun has denied any wrongdoing. Last week, his lawyer said he “did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses."
The trade will not affect the NFL’s investigation into Deshaun. He could possibly face a suspension (a minimum of six games) for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, but we won’t know for sure until the investigation is complete.
“Any transaction would have no effect on the NFL’s ongoing and comprehensive investigation of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson,” league spokesman Brian McCarthysaid in an email to AP. “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.”
It’ll be interesting to see how the team handles the pressure when reporters start asking tough questions about Deshuan’s off-field issues. Not only did they sign him despite his ongoing legal issues, they gave him a raise.
When the Browns were pinning for Deshaun, it angered starter QB BakerMayfield, who requested a trade. They denied him before signing Deshaun, however, that’ll likely change after the deal is complete. Baker told the Browns he’d prefer to be traded to the Colts, following the departure of CarsonWentz. He penned what appears to be a goodbye note to Cleveland:
With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is. pic.twitter.com/psipN96cmh
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 16, 2022
It appears if you’re talented enough in the NFL, it doesn’t really matter what you do - there’s seemingly always a place for you.
Photos: AP Photo/Matt Patterson
