New Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will get a new contract, as well. Here’s how much the Browns were willing to pay for a new QB.
The Browns won out in the end on the Watson sweepstakes because they were willing to pay two enormous price tags.
First, Cleveland will trade three first-round picks, a third-round pick and potentially a fifth-round pick to the Texans for the rights to Watson. Second, they must pay the franchise quarterback for his services. Cleveland told Watson they’ll pay his worth, which amounts to an astounding number, if you can believe it, despite the allegations of sexual assault against him.
Deshaun Watson contract
Watson will receive a fresh new contract to go along with his new threads.
Deshaun Watson gets a fully guaranteed 5 year $230M contract. That is $80M more than the previous record for fully guaranteed money at signing ($150M). This deal was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. https://t.co/nQls9WRpD1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022
Watson’s contract is fully guaranteed, which surely played a role in his decision-making. This way, regardless of what happens in his civil suits, Cleveland are stuck with Watson (unless there’s an obvious out in his deal which wasn’t made public, of course).
Aaron Rodgers contract
The only contract comparable to Watson’s right now — at least in terms of quarterbacks — is Aaron Rodgers’, who signed a new deal recently with the Packers.
Rodgers’ contract is for three years and over $150 million, so while Aaron wins the AAV battle, Watson does technically receive more money over the course of his deal.
Browns draft picks 2022
The following are the Browns current draft selections in 2022.
- Round 2 | Pick 44
- Round 3 | Pick 78
- Round 3 | Pick 99 (compensatory selection)
- Round 4 | Pick 107
- Round 4 | Pick 118
- Round 6 | Pick 202 (from DAL)
- Round 7 | Pick 223
It was a high price to pay, but the Browns found it worthwhile given their revolving door of QBs over the last decade-plus.