Deshaun Watson's fully-guaranteed $230 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns has received widespread criticism from fans and analysts, as a restructured $1 million base salary for the 2022 season safeguards him from a potential suspension by the league. Watson, who won't face criminal chargers for allegations of sexual misconduct, is still facing 22 civil lawsuits.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam defended their trade for Watson in a statement on Sunday, saying in part, "We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating" Watson's legal problems and overall candidacy. Whether or not Cleveland's due diligence was legitimate, the franchise clearly concluded that the backlash and controversy surrounding Watson couldn't outweigh the talent he offers on the field. The issue is, it's unclear when he'll play again.
"I thought [the contract] was gross. I thought it was disgusting. Those are the first words I said on air when I jumped on our afternoon show," Houston sports radio host Sean Pendergast told After Hours with Amy Lawrence on Tuesday. "I'm shocked, first off, $230 million guaranteed. I'm not saying as a player that Deshaun isn't worth it. But the optics of a player who weaponized a no-trade clause -- four months after he signed a contract -- demanded a trade...
"Then he gets sued by 22 women, civil lawsuits with some pretty nasty stuff in there, and then he basically skips the whole year... Just the optics of it all. If you're Roger Goodell, you've got to be a little embarrassed. And then they pile on by paying his whole income for this season in signing bonus, instead of salary... I just think the whole thing was disgusting."
Watson, who was drafted 12th overall by the Texans in 2017, didn't play a snap for them last season -- he was listed as a healthy scratch for 18 weeks. When the 26-year-old last saw action, during 2020, he threw for a career-high 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The possibility of Watson being suspended in 2022 is strong, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has the unilateral power to do so, under the league's personal conduct policy.
The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback agreed to waive his no-trade clause and join the Browns last Friday, one day after telling them that they were no longer in the running to acquire him. The blockbuster trade includes three first-round picks and two additional picks, sent from Cleveland to Houston. According to the William Hill Sportsbook, the Browns currently have the fourth-best odds to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 57.
The entire Watson conversation between Pendergast and Lawrence can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow After Hours With Amy Lawrence on Twitter @ALawRadio and @AfterHoursCBS, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.