Browns issue statements addressing controversial Deshaun Watson trade

The Cleveland Browns knew they would face criticism when they traded for Deshaun Watson, and they tried to address some of that in the form of lengthy statements on Sunday.

The Browns issued a series of statements from owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski. All three expressed confidence in the investigating and background work the Browns did prior to acquiring Watson from the Houston Texans. Haslam said Watson was “humble, sincere, and candid” in meetings with the team. Stefanski said he understands the concerns but is confident Watson will be a good fit with the organization and Cleveland community.

You can read all three statements below:

#Browns statements on trading for Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/FYUWa7FGzo

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 20, 2022

Watson has been accused of sexual assault by nearly two dozen women. A grand jury in Texas last week decided there will be no criminal charges, at which point teams began aggressively pursuing Watson. There were a handful of teams that tried to beat out the Browns.

The NFL will now conduct its own investigation into the allegations against Watson. There is still a good chance the star quarterback could be suspended, and the Browns may have even structured Watson’s contract accordingly.

Photo: Jan 27, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports