Report: Deshaun Watson receiving lucrative new contract with Cleveland Browns

After reversing course on his destination, choosing the Cleveland Browns according to multiple reports, Deshaun Watson will receive a historic new contract. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the new contract will pay $230 million over five seasons, pending the complete trade.

Deshaun Watson’s new contract will be fully guaranteed, shattering the NFL record for most guaranteed money by $80 million. The previous record was set by Aaron Rodgers at $150.6 million which surpassed Josh Allen’s $150 million.

The Texans quarterback originally requested a trade last year, but ongoing legal issues complicated the market. However, after a grand jury determined he would not face criminal charges, the potential suitors all ramped up their pursuit with packages to Houston and pitches to Watson.

Because he held a no-trade clause in his contract, Watson was able to interview with each team before making a final decision, which he was said to be torn over. While the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints were believed to be the finalists, he ultimately chose the Cleveland Browns and the new contract.

More on Deshaun Watson

Watson’s best season with the Texans came in 2020 when he completed 70.2% of his passes for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns. Houston went just 4-12 that season — Bill O’Brien’s last as head coach.

The Texans looked much different in 2021. O’Brien was out, and Watson didn’t play at all as his legal situation unfolded. That ended last week when a grand jury cleared him of all criminal charges stemming from 22 lawsuits against him.

“After a Harris County grand jury was presented all the evidence and had the opportunity to hear from all witnesses, grand jurors declined to indict Deshaun Watson,” a statement from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office read. “Grand jury proceedings are secret by law, so no information related to their inquiry may be disclosed.”

That’s when teams reached out to trade for Watson, and Houston told teams it was only interested in serious offers.

In fact, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said two teams — the Saints and the Carolina Panthers — made hefty offers for the former Clemson star, including multiple draft picks.

“The market for Deshaun Watson is heating up, and the hope and the belief is that he should have a decision — and the Houston Texans should have a decision — in the next several days before the start of free agency,” Rapoport said. “The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers are among the teams that have made strong offers for Deshaun Watson.

“The offers are expected to be and believed to be in the range of three first-round picks and potentially more. This has been the price for Deshaun Watson, a franchise quarterback in his prime, locked up on contract for several years.”