By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Houston Texans are sending QB DeShaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were told by Watson a day before that he was not interested in going to Cleveland, but what turn of events. Interestingly enough, this comes three days after ESPN released an article about Baker Mayfield having a falling-out with the organization. Mayfield recently requested a trade and demanded to be sent to the Indianapolis Colts, who recently traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders.
Watson did not play this past season due to the ongoing legal issues he was dealing with. Recently, it was announced that NO criminal charges were to be filed. However, Watson may still face discipline from the NFL. In order for this move to have happened, Watson had to waive the no-trade clause on the contract he signed with Houston prior to the 2020 season. Watson also gets a new five-year, $230 million contract. The Texans are getting three first-round picks, as well as a third-round and fourth-round pick.
As mentioned earlier, although no criminal charges will be filed, Waston is not out of the woods yet. Since the NFL is investigating the situation, Waston can still face discipline from the league. That means that the NFL may suspend the 26-year-old quarterback, pending the results of the investigation. It's unclear where the league is at as far as their investigation goes. Therefore, in case Watson is suspended, the Browns need to come up with a plan.
The AFC West has made some major free agency/trade moves. And now the AFC North is looking to join the party. They may have no choice now that the Brows have Waston and Amari Cooper, along with a respectable running game and a talented defense. Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh better prepare as they're very likely to face a Cleveland team that is STRONGER THAN EVER!