Deshaun Watson trade

[2][3][4][5][6] This is in part due to the perceived lopsidedness of the first round picks granted to the Texans that were used to draft several Pro Bowlers and starting players including Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson.

That same year, Watson had the 3rd best touchdown-to-interception ratio at 33:7, and the 2nd highest passer rating in the NFL at 112.4, trailing only behind Aaron Rodgers who was named the league's Most Valuable Player that season.

[9] The Cleveland Browns made the decision to move on from their previous quarterback, Baker Mayfield, following the 2021 season due to his poor performance while suffering from an shoulder injury.

[20] These legal challenges led to Watson's absence from the field for the entire 2021 season, during which he remained with the Houston Texans but did not participate in any games.

[2] During the Browns’ 2024 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, Watson became the first player in 1,752 recorded instances to fail to complete a single pass on ten or more attempts of 15 yards or more downfield in a game, as reported by CBS Sports analyst Zach Pereles.

[32][33][34] In the team's next game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on a non-contact play, marking the second consecutive year he suffered a season-ending injury.

[35][36] A small number of Browns fans were heard cheering as the injury happened out of frustration with Watson's poor play, which drew criticism from players.

[40] The Deshaun Watson trade and subsequent contract was widely criticized as one of the most detrimental personnel decisions in NFL history on the Browns' side, with far-reaching consequences both on and off the field.

They noted that the Browns surrendered significant draft capital, including three first-round picks and three additional selections, but also committed to a record-breaking contract for Watson despite his legal issues.

The structure of Watson's contract, which lacked flexibility or potential exit routes for the team, is expected to significantly limit the Browns' ability to maneuver in free agency or retain other key players during these years.

As a result, many NFL analysts argued that the trade and contract has potentially set the franchise back by several years by hindering their ability to build a well-rounded team through future drafts and free agency signings.

[2][5][6] Furthermore, many news outlets and NFL journalists stated that the Browns' decision to acquire Watson has also had significant repercussions for the franchise's public image.

These in turn have led to ongoing public relations challenges for the franchise which has impacted fan support, sponsorships, and the team's standing within the NFL, in Cleveland, and in the nation as a whole.