Browns acquiring Deshaun Watson after QB reconsiders no-trade clause

In what looks to be a stunning about-face, the Cleveland Browns are acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson.

According to multiple reports that broke late Friday afternoon, Watson reconsidered his reported prior elimination of the Browns from trade contention and waived his no-trade clause, allowing Cleveland to trade a reported three first-round draft selections (along with two additional picks) to the Houston Texans for the 3-time Pro Bowler and a fifth-round draft selection.

The Texans confirmed the reports and details of the trade later on Friday:

We have agreed to trade QB Deshaun Watson and a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for a 2022 first-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, 2024 first-round pick, 2023 third-round pick and 2024 fourth-round pick.

Statement from GM Nick Caserio:

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) March 18, 2022

Deshaun Watson plans to waive his no-trade clause to the #Browns, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Yes, the Browns!!

Trade compensation still to be finalized with the #Texans, but Watson has made his choice: He expects to go to Cleveland.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022

Watson will also sign a reported 5-year, $230 million contract extension – the highest amount of guaranteed money in league history.

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

The Browns are trading three first-round picks, and two additional picks to the Texans for QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. Wow. Wow. Wow.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 18, 2022

Watson, 26, sat out the entirety of the 2021 NFL season while still with the Texans, after he requested a trade from the franchise prior to the season’s start. Watson also still faces 22 civil lawsuits in relation to allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.

Earlier this month, a grand jury declined to indict Watson on criminal charges related to ”harassment and sexual misconduct.”

Cleveland’s acquisition of Watson comes a day after Baker Mayfield reportedly requested a trade from the Browns. The Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks have been reported to be interested in trading for Mayfield.