In a stunning turn of events on Friday afternoon, for Clemson TIgers quarterback Deshaun Watson decided he wants to play in Cleveland after all.
Deshaun Watson has decided he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns in a stunning change of events, per sources. Watson has informed the Houston Texans that he now is willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract to be dealt to Cleveland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
Earlier in the week it appeared that Watson had eliminated the Browns from contention, due to not being interested in playing in cold weather and had narrowed his choices to New Orleans or Atlanta.
Atlanta seemed to be the perfect fit and had even extended Matt Ryan’s time to work out a trade to make room for Watson.
That went by the wayside mid-afternoon as Watson informed the Texans that he’s willing to waive his no-trade cause in order to be traded to Cleveland.
Earlier, Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield had requested a trade, which the Browns promptly turned down, believing they were no longer in the running for Watson.
Now that Watson has apparently made it known that Cleveland is his preferred destination, Mayfield is almost certainly on the trading block.
What caused Watson’s change of heart is unknown at this time, but it left Falcon fans, and presumably their front office in shock, as they believed they were closing in on the post-Matt Ryan quarterback of the future.
A Harris County grand jury has declined to indict Watson though he could still be subject to discipline by the NFL, but the teams interested in trading for him are aware that may happen.
In four seasons with the Texans Watson threw for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns with 36 interceptions, while rushing for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns. He did not play at all in 2021.
Watson, 26, led Clemson to the 2016 National Championship in a 35-31 thriller over Alabama.
In three seasons at Clemson, Watson passed for 10,168 yards and 90 touchdowns, rushed for almost 2,000 and twenty-six more touchdowns, while finishing third in the 2015 Heisman voting and second in 2016.
Watson was drafted twelfth overall by the Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft.