The Cleveland Browns were informed on Thursday that they were no longer in the running to acquire embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson in a mega deal with the Houston Texans. But whatever indifference the three-time Pro Bowler felt toward the team didn't last longer than 24 hours, considering the massive decision he made on Friday afternoon.
In a shocking twist, Watson has elected to waive his full no-trade clause and join the Browns after all, according to multiple reports. The package involves three first-round draft picks and two others assets to Houston. And on top of that return, Watson is reportedly receiving a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract extension from Cleveland. In the end, money talked, and the team will now begin to shop disgruntled starter Baker Mayfield.
"I wonder if once Watson told them he was out, did they just not stop and just continued to pursue?" Maggie Gray said during Friday's edition of the Maggie and Perloff show. "Or did the Falcons and Saints just not feel like good fits for him?... While he's not facing criminal charges, civil cases are nothing to joke about. That side of it, I can see where a lot of fans may be thinking, 'Let's not act like there should be a parade.' Football-wise, this is a coup..."
"Football side, Cleveland's a mile above the [Falcons and Saints], depth chart wise," Andrew Perloff said. "The only problem is, we're just talking about wins and losses being the most important barometer for a quarterback. How're you getting out of the AFC, Deshaun? Not only did they commit to Watson, they're going to pay him much more than anyone in NFL history has ever gotten... It'll be really interesting to see him on a talented roster."
Watson, who won't face criminal charges for sexual misconduct allegations, still faces 22 active civil lawsuits against him. Due to ongoing legal matters, he didn't play a single snap for Houston in 2021 -- he was listed as a healthy scratch for 18 weeks. When the 26-year-old last saw playing time, during the 2020 campaign, he threw for a career-high 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven picks. It's unclear when Watson will play in 2022 -- Roger Goodell has the power to suspend him, under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The unexpected arrival of Watson in Cleveland means that Mayfield will get his wish of a trade this offseason. His 2021 season can only be labeled as a disappointment. For three-plus months, he played with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, and in January, he underwent successful surgery to repair the injury. Due to issues with his shoulder, knee, and foot, the fourth-year starter only threw for 3,010 yards with 17 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a career-low 35.1 QBR in 14 games.
Maggie and Perloff's complete thoughts on the Browns' trade for Watson can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Maggie and Perloff Show on Twitter @MaggieandPerl and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.