NFL franchise Cleveland Browns might have either made the best or the worst choice by signing quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. Initially, the Browns were not in the running for Watson, but it seems the Browns’ contract offer made his head turn. The deal did end up making him the player with the most guaranteed money on a single contract in NFL history with $230 million.
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It makes Watson’s offer unique and one that eclipses some of the NFL’s elite players like Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, and Patrick Mahomes. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, he will receive a 5-year, contract with the reported guaranteed money from Cleveland.
He will also receive a $45 million signing bonus, with his base salary for the 2022 season reportedly being around $1 million.
Most guaranteed money on a single contract in NFL history:
Deshaun Watson $230 million
Aaron Rodgers: $150.7 million
Josh Allen: $150 million
Patrick Mahomes: $141.5 million
Dak Prescott: $126 million@ESPNStatsInfo— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 18, 2022
It was reported that the strength of the Browns’ roster, with his conversations with GM Andrew Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam, were determining factors. Watson will be sacrificing the opportunity to join the NFC South division as was initially planned and will be moving North to Cleveland. Despite his troubled history, Watson had already made his desire known to move away from Houston.
NFL fans in disbelief over Browns contract offer for Deshaun Watson
Despite being inactive during the 2021 NFL season, Watson seems to be high on the Browns’ QB bucket list. The rumors about the Watson trade to the Browns intensified following current QB Baker Mayfield‘s trade request. Following his first-round selection of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Texans, Watson was one of the bright young stars before the 2021 campaign.
His comeback following his sabbatical year in 2021, will be full of high expectations amongst the Browns fans for Watson. The 3-time Pro Bowler was the leader in passing yards during his last season with the Texans in 2020.
Watson’s comeback and his astronomical guaranteed money figures led to some fans sharing their derision on Twitter.
Lot for an average QB about to be suspended
— Mark (@mdussault77) March 18, 2022
— markeith (@markeithaha) March 18, 2022
Some other Twitter users did call time on being Browns fans due to his controversial past.
No longer a browns fan. Been real.
— Stephen Warwick (@StephenWarwick9) March 18, 2022
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While one user hinted towards the ramifications of Watson’s deal on other NFL QBs and their contracts.
— #FreeBrittneyGriner 🏀 (@RobIsRandomAF_6) March 18, 2022
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Watson’s arrival in Cleveland signals the end of an era, and a new sheriff is well and truly in town. Watson will be hoping to bring the Browns back to the playoffs following a down year in 2021. The Browns fans will be coming to back their new QB and make him feel right at home.
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