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LOOK: Cleveland Browns release statements about Deshaun Watson trade

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby: Jonathan Wagner03/20/22j_wags74
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The Cleveland Browns have made their trade for former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson official. Cleveland acquired Watson along with a 2024 fifth round pick in exchange for first round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, in addition to a 2023 third rounder and a 2024 fourth rounder.

In addition to acquiring Watson, the Browns are handing him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. That will be the most guaranteed money on an NFL contract in league history, shattering the previous record by nearly $80 million.

Following the news becoming official on Sunday, Browns owners Dee and Haslam released a lengthy statement on the deal. The organization said that they are comfortable with the decision to acquire Watson after extensive and consistent evaluation of his situation. Watson is still under investigation by the NFL for the allegations that are currently against him.

“We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson,” the statement said. “We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision. Our team’s comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved. We also understand there are still some legal proceedings that are ongoing and we will respect due process. It was pivotal that we, along with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, meet with Deshaun to have a straightforward dialogue, discuss our priorities, and hear directly from him on how he wants to approach his career on and off the field.

“He was humble, sincere, and candid. In our conversations, Deshaun detailed his commitment to leading our team; he understands and embraces the hard work needed to build his name both in the community and on the field. Those in-depth conversations, the extensive evaluation process, his dedication to being a great teammate and devotion to helping others within the NFL, within the community, and through his charitable initiatives provided the foundation for us to pursue Deshaun. We are confident in Deshaun and excited about moving forward with him as our quarterback and supporting his genuine and determined efforts.”

Statements from Andrew Berry, Kevan Stefanski on the Browns trading for Watson

Browns general manager Andrew Berry also released a statement on the acquisition of Watson, saying that he and the organization are comfortable with his status, and excited to have him on the field as Cleveland’s next quarterback.

“We look forward to having Deshaun as our starting quarterback,” Berry said. “We have done extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months to provide us with the appropriate information needed to make an informed decision about pursuing him and moving forward with him as our quarterback. Deshaun has been among the very best at the position and he understands the work needed to re-establish himself on and off the field in Cleveland. We are confident that he will make positive contributions to our team and community as we support his return to football.”

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is also comfortable with the background work done prior to the Watson deal. Stefanski is ready to get to work with Watson next season.

“Our organization did a tremendous amount of background on Deshaun,” Stefanski said. We understand the concerns and questions that exist but are confident in the extensive work Andrew and his staff have done to feel confident about him joining our organization. It was important for us to meet with Deshaun in person as part of our team’s evaluation process, we had a candid conversation regarding his approach to coming into our organization and community. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to coach Deshaun, he is ready to put in the hard work needed to help our team improve and make a positive impact in our community.”