As we have been covering, the Cleveland Browns had an agreement to acquire QB Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. That trade consisted of the Browns trading away three first-round picks (2022, ’23 and ’24), a third-round pick (’23) and a fourth-round pick (’24) in exchange for Watson and a fifth-round pick (’24).
Reports flooded in that the team would also be signing Watson to a new contract following the completion of that trade despite significant allegations off the field.
In advance of officially announcing the trade, Cleveland traded Case Keenum to the Buffalo Bills, reportedly restructured WR Amari Cooper’s contract and is expected to bring in Jacoby Brissett to be Watson’s backup.
Sunday, the team confirmed the deal with comments from Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski. With the off the field concerns, all three parties made note of their process:
Haslams
We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson. We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision. Our team’s comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved. We also understand there are still some legal proceedings that are ongoing and we will respect due process.
Berry
We have done extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months to provide us with the appropriate information needed to make an informed decision about pursuing him and moving forward with him as our quarterback.
Stefanski
Our organization did a tremendous amount of background on Deshaun. We understand the concerns and questions that exist but are confident in the extensive work Andrew and his staff have done to feel confident about him joining our organization.
You can read the rest of their comments in the link above. The organization will likely face the media at some point to answer questions regarding their process that led them to be comfortable with this decision. Whether they answer those questions or use Watson’s pending civil cases as a reason not to, will be interesting to see.
For now, the deal is officially announced and now the team moves forward with Watson as their starting quarterback.