When news of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson being criminally cleared became public, it was only a matter of time before he was linked to the Cleveland Browns.
How strong the interest is from Andrew Berry and company remains to be seen.
What we know is what has been reported by Mary Kay Cabot.
The #Browns have done their homework on #Texans QB Deshaun Watson and will continue to do so, but it remains to be seen if they'd try to trade for him https://t.co/yr8849ZCET
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 12, 2022
That is the Browns have monitored the events and “done their homework”.
Browns Called A “Wildcard” Entry
Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson calls the Browns a “wildcard” entry into the Deshaun Watson trade market.
Cleveland Browns have done a lot of work on Deshaun Watson lately and are now regarded as a wild-card entry into this expanding trade market, per a league source.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2022
It is unclear what this exactly means; however, we do know there is a long list of interested teams.
The teams I’ve been told that have been interested in Deshaun Watson for a while — and/or were closely monitoring today’s grand jury outcome:
▪️CAR
▪️NO
▪️CLE
▪️SEA
▪️PITPHI had expressed interest, but seems to have cooled of late. https://t.co/28CqiuHyAZ
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 12, 2022
ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin reports the teams are as follows:
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Cleveland Browns
- Seattle Seahawks
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Martin also stated that the Philadelphia Eagles had expressed interest previously but that interest has waned.
Frontrunners on the list appear to be the Panthers and the Seahawks according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
Ultimately, sources predict Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks to be the top contenders for Deshaun Watson in prospective trade. Importance of no-trade clause in his $156 million contract can't be overstated enough. Fluid situation on destination of three-time Pro Bowl passer
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2022
Panthers have conducted the most due diligence on Deshaun Watson regarding a potential trade, and owner David Tepper is 'all-in' and aggressive in pursuit of Texans quarterback
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2022
The Panthers are prepared to aggressively pursue Watson.
The Panthers plan to make an “aggressive” offer for Deshaun Watson, per @DNewtonespn. https://t.co/4RPIzFUiBm
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 12, 2022
The Seahawks will have draft picks after the Wilson trade goes through.
There is “expectation around the league” #Texans QB Deshaun Watson will be traded to the #Seahawks, per @MoveTheSticks
They have extra picks now after the Russell Wilson trade to get it done. pic.twitter.com/HdpMz24Z33
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 12, 2022
Watson has a no-trade clause on his contract so he will weigh in on this decision.
Will Watson Face NFL Penalties/Discipline?
In addition to a team absorbing his salary and trading away draft picks, they must consider the possible repercussions that could come from the NFL.
Could Watson be suspended?
If history is any indicator, it is a definite possibility.
Ben Roethlisberger was suspended by the NFL for six games but later it was reduced to four games.
He was also not charged criminally.
Deshaun Watson still faces a potential suspension. Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games (reduced to four) despite not being charged in 2010. However, there’s a chance that the NFL will wait until the civil cases are resolved.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 11, 2022
Ezekiel Elliott was also suspended for six games with no criminal charges.
There are big differences between criminal and civil law, and an even bigger difference between law and NFL suspensions.
Both Big Ben and Ezekiel Elliott were suspended six games without being charged. pic.twitter.com/geQ05CPTT6
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) March 11, 2022
There were no criminal charges against Ben Roethlisberger.
There were no criminal charges against Ezekiel Elliott.
Both had incidents with one woman, not multiple.
Both were suspended for six games.#Precedent
https://t.co/EzrdHB6RRH— Derek Hicks (@dhicks00) March 12, 2022
Both Roethlisberger and Elliott were accused by one woman.
What Could The Texans Want?
Reports say that the Texans would request a minimum of three first-round draft picks in exchange for Watson.
Per reports, the Texans want three first-round picks for Deshaun Watson minimum.
I think Nick Caserio is going to have an impossible time fetching that compensation because A) the QB has a no-trade clause, limiting suitors and B) obvious legal issues/potential suspension.
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) March 11, 2022
Watson’s status will dominate the news cycle as the NFL enters the official beginning of the league year on March 16.
Stay tuned.
NEXT: Browns Nation News And Notes (3/12/22)
How about no
NO as a father of 3 daughters I don’t want a predator for a QB. I know he has not gone to court but you can’t get 21 ladies to agree on anything, but 21 did agree Watson is a predator.
Browns get this guy, the NFL loses a 63 year fan.