There has been speculation about his future for a long time. Now it is certain that Deshaun Watson will move to the Cleveland Browns. ran reveals the details of his contract, what prospects he has with the Browns and which other team was also close to signing the quarterback.

Munich – You could almost say Deshaun Watson’s move to the Cleveland Browns was preordained. That’s because the No. 12 pick the Houston Texans used on the quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft was previously owned by the Browns.

The Texans had traded up from position 25 and even surrendered the first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to secure Watson. Five years later, Watson still ended up with the Browns.

According to ESPN, it is not yet clear how much this trade will cost the Browns. However, the Texans are expected to receive three first-round picks, a third-round pick and a fourth-round pick, while giving up a fifth-round pick along with Watson to Cleveland.

Watson is guaranteed to collect $230 million

For the quarterback himself, the move is very lucrative. The Browns are reportedly giving Watson a five-year, $230 million contract – and it’s fully guaranteed. In the first four years of his new contract, he would receive $184 million. This would be a $48 million increase over his current contract with the Texans.

The fact that Watson’s switch has now come about so suddenly is also related to the legal situation. 22 women accused him of sexual harassment. Last week, however, it was announced that Watson will not be charged and thus remains a free man. “I’m just going to keep fighting to rebuild my name and my reputation in the community,” Watson said after the decision by a jury.

A suspension by the NFL is still possible

The playmaker, however, could be fined or suspended by the NFL. A league spokesman investigating Watson’s case has so far said only: “We have been closely monitoring all developments in this matter.”

Watson remained out of action last season. Even before the allegations went public, it was revealed that Watson was unhappy with the Texans and would not play a game for the franchise in 2021.

In terms of potential, Watson is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. In 54 games, he recorded 14,539 passing yards, 104 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions.

By comparison, Baker Mayfield, the Browns’ previous quarterback, totalled 14,125 passing yards, 92 touchdown passes and 56 interceptions in 60 games.

Watson is not only the better passer, but also much more mobile. His 1677 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns compare to Mayfield’s 571 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Future of Baker Mayfield is open

The Watson trade could have implications for other quarterbacks. Mayfield previously wanted to leave Cleveland and reportedly asked for a trade. The Browns declined to do so. Now their stance may have changed for financial reasons alone.

Mayfield would earn 18.858 million dollars in the 2022 season through the fifth-year option. This sum is hardly feasible for a backup quarterback, and that is exactly what he would be behind Watson. The consequence: Mayfield will probably be allowed to look for a new team after all.

After all, there are plenty of teams that need a good quarterback. The Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are also said to be looking at Watson and now have to reschedule.

Atlanta Falcons were close to signing Watson

The Falcons, in particular, seemed to be in a good position in their efforts to sign Watson. “The Falcons thought they were close” reveals James Palmer of the “NFL Network”. “And they were actually working on something, but late in the talks came more demands, including more money and guarantees.” Apparently, Atlanta was not willing to meet those demands.

The Browns, on the other hand, jumped at the chance and should be among the title contenders in the 2022 season.

As soon as the Watson trade became public, a betting company halved the championship odds for Cleveland from 40:1 to 20:1, according to “ESPN”.

Watson finds a strong rushing offence in Cleveland, led by Nick Chubb. Amari Cooper, a four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was also signed from the Dallas Cowboys.

No wonder Watson is full of euphoria. On instagram, he has already posted a photo montage of himself in Browns gear, writing: “Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!!!”