Browns give up even more in finalized Deshaun Watson deal

The Houston Texans are apparently getting more than was initially reported for trading Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Cleveland will add a fourth round pick in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, bringing the total package to six picks.

In all, the Browns give up three first round picks (2022, 2023, 2024), one third round pick (2023) and two fourth round picks (2022, 2024) in the finalized deal for Watson and a sixth round pick in 2024.

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback also signed a five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland as part of the trade. All of that money is guaranteed, with the Browns set to take an estimated cap hit of $54.9 million for the 2023-26 seasons. Watson’s contract is loaded with a total signing bonus of $44,965,000, which he will receive this season along with the minimum salary of $1,035,000.

Houston is coming off 4-13 finish to the 2021 season, and recently hired a new head coach in Lovie Smith. With their recent acquisition of several draft picks, the Texans look to set up nicely for the future according to general manager Nick Caserio.

“Earlier today we agree to trade Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns,” Caserio said in a statement. “I felt it was the right move for our organization as we head into the new league year focused on building our roster for the 2022 season. Our priority right now is adding talented players to the foundation we have already put in place over the last 15 months and this trade supports that plan. As we navigate through the rest of the offseason, we remain open minded to all avenues that allow us to improve our roster and add to our program.”

Following the trade with the Browns, Houston has both the third and 13th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. A recently released mock draft from USA Today has the Texans taking Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal and Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd. Cleveland finds itself without a pick, but the offseason additions of Watson and receiver Amari Cooper more than make up for that.

Both teams enter next year with different objectives, but the future is equally exciting for each.