CLEVELAND — Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson informed the Texans he is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Cleveland Browns, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in a tweet.

What You Need To Know

  • Multiple reports indicate Deshaun Watson will waive his no-trade clause and join the Cleveland Browns

  • Watson sat out the 2021 season as he battled civil lawsuits for sexual assault and harassment

  • Multiple reports indicate the Browns will sign Watson to a five-year deal worth $230 million

On Thursday, Watson reportedly turned the Browns down after meeting with the squad. Later in the day, current Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield told ESPN he is requesting to leave Cleveland. 

While there has been no official word of a trade, Watson posted a photo of himself on Instagram in a Browns uniform. 

“Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! 😤 #DawgPound Ready To Work!” Watson wrote. 

Schefter said the Browns are offering Watson a new contract worth $230 million over five years, with $184 million over the first four years of this contract.

Schefter said the Browns and Texans are still working on the trade as of late Friday afternoon.

Watson will be joining a Cleveland team with plenty of talent, but one that underachieved last season and has been in search of a franchise quarterback for years. The three-time Pro Bowler became a target of the Browns after a grand jury declined to indict him on sexual misconduct claims made by 22 women.

Watson still faces with civil lawsuits from female massage therapists who accused him of assault and harassment. He's also facing a likely suspension by the NFL for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.

His arrival in Cleveland will likely be met with backlash by some fans, but the Browns are comfortable with his character after doing their own investigation, the AP reports.

The Browns' public pursuit of Watson angered incumbent starter Baker Mayfield, who requested a trade. Cleveland turned down Mayfield's demand before learning Watson had agreed to waive his no-trade clause and jump to the AFC North.

Mayfield will likely be dealt in the next few days and there are several teams that may be interested in signing the 26-year-old. He struggled last season after injuring his left shoulder in Week 2, but has shown he's capable of being a quality starter after leading the Browns to the playoffs in 2020.

The Browns will also have to deal with tough questions about why they're bringing on Watson despite his off-field issues. As part of their presentation to him in Houston this week, the team reportedly outlined a plan to help his image.

Watson had originally demanded the Texans trade him after the 2020 season, before the sexual misconduct accusations.

Cleveland had a chance to draft the former Clemson star in 2017, but twice passed on him. They didn't overlook him this time and may have finally solved a position that confounded the team since its expansion rebirth in 1999.

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