Deshaun Watson stunned the sports world on Friday when he chose to waive his no-trade clause for the Cleveland Browns, and it would appear there are 230 million reasons he made that decision.
Once the Browns finalize their trade with the Houston Texans, Watson will sign the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history. Cleveland is giving him a fully guaranteed $230 million over five years, according to multiple reports. The previous record for the largest fully guaranteed contract was $150 million.
A report on Thursday claimed Watson had informed the Browns they were out of the running for him. He was said to be choosing between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints at one point, so what changed? The money.
Sources told James Palmer of NFL Network that the Falcons were close to acquiring Watson, but Watson asked for more money and more guarantees late in the negotiations.
The #falcons thought they were close. Very close to landing Watson. And they were actually working something out, but late in the talks came even more demands including more money and guarantees per sources.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 18, 2022
It sounds like the same thing happened with the Carolina Panthers. Watson reportedly wanted them to fully guarantee the third and fourth years on his previous contract, but they declined.
The Browns probably were not Watson’s first choice, but they stepped up with the big offer. He would have been insane to turn down $230 million guaranteed.
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
