At some point, engaging in a trade pursuit has consequences that are extremely hard to repair inside an NFL franchise. Particularly when the discussions are centered on an upgrade for a quarterback whose future is uncertain.
This is where we find the Cleveland Browns, who are unquestionably taking their best shot at a Deshaun Watson trade this week. It's the kind of move that was always going to be fraught with complication and risk, largely because of Watson’s still-unfolding litigation that has now moved to the stage of his depositions in the the 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct or assault against the Houston Texans quarterback.