It has taken decades, but the Cleveland Browns have finally found their franchise quarterback.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns have acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in exchange for three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a late-round pick swap. In addition, Watson is expected to sign a fully guaranteed contract with Cleveland worth $230 million over five years – the largest sum of guaranteed money in NFL history.
Shocked would be an understatement, as Cleveland was reportedly out of the running as of Thursday, with the New Orleans Saints or Atlanta Falcons viewed as Watson’s next destination (Watson had to agree to waive his no-trade clause).