Deshaun Watson switches course, accepts trade to join Browns

Deshaun Watson changed his mind. The Browns have their franchise quarterback, one with some extra heavy baggage.

Watson decided to waive his no-trade clause and the controversial QB accepted a trade to Cleveland after previously rejecting the team, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Friday.

Watson, who didn't play last season for Houston, had informed the Browns on Thursday that he wasn't coming. However, he had a change of heart and called the team Friday, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the imminent trade.

The Browns are paying a hefty price for Watson, sending the Texans three first-round draft picks along with a third- and fourth-rounder for the 26-year-old. Cleveland will also get back a fifth-rounder from Houston with Watson.

Watson posted a photo on Instagram of him wearing a No. 4 Browns jersey and flexing. He wrote: "Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! .DawgPound Ready To Work!"

He should be happy. Watson's also receiving a five-year, $230 million US guaranteed contract, a record for any NFL player.

Watson is still dealing with civil lawsuits from the women, massage therapists who accused him of assault and harassment. He's also possibly facing a suspension by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

The trade will not affect the league's inquiry into Watson.

"Any transaction would have no effect on the NFL's ongoing and comprehensive investigation of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson," league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to AP. "Nor would it affect his status under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy.

"If the league's investigation determines that Watson violated the Personal Conduct Policy, discipline may be imposed pursuant to the policy and the CBA."

Backlash expected

Watson's arrival in Cleveland is certain to trigger a backlash by some fans, but the Browns are comfortable with his character after doing their own investigation of Watson before committing to chasing him.

The team will undoubtedly feel some heat and deal with tough questions about why they're bringing on Watson despite his off-field issues. As part of their presentation to him in Houston earlier this week, the team outlined a plan to help Watson reshape his image.

The Browns' public pursuit of Watson angered incumbent starter Baker Mayfield, who requested a trade. Cleveland turned down Mayfield's demand before learning Watson had agreed to waive his no-trade clause and jump to the AFC North.

Mayfield will likely be dealt in the next few days and there are several teams that may be interested in signing the 26-year-old. He struggled last season after injuring his left shoulder in Week 2, but has shown he's capable of being a quality starter after leading the Browns to the playoffs in 2020.

Indianapolis, New Orleans and Seattle are among the possible landing spots for Mayfield.

After the Browns were initially rejected by Watson, the team was trying to figure out how to mend a broken relationship with him. That's no longer necessary as Cleveland's focus will shift to welcoming Watson.

Watson had also been courted by Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans. Cleveland seemed to have the longest odds to get him, but he was intrigued by their talented roster, which includes star defensive end Myles Garrett and running back Nick Chubb.

It may have also helped Cleveland's chances of getting Watson when the team signed free agent wide receiver Amari Cooper last week.

Cleveland's search for a franchise QB

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have spent the entirety of their tenure trying to find the right quarterback. The team had tried almost every possible avenue, signing veteran free agents and drafting college stars like Johnny Manziel and Mayfield, who was selected first overall in 2018.

Watson had originally demanded the Texans trade him after the 2020 season, before the sexual misconduct accusations.

Cleveland had a chance to draft the former Clemson star in 2017, but twice passed on him. They didn't overlook him this time, and may have finally solved a position that confounded the team since its expansion rebirth in 1999.

Watson had his best season in 2020, leading the league with 4,823 yards passing along with 33 touchdowns.