Deshaun Watson Trade: Full Breakdown, Impact, and What It Means for the NFL

The Deshaun Watson trade sent shockwaves through the NFL world, marking one of the most controversial and talked-about transactions in recent football history. As teams continue to rebuild, realign, and chase championships, trades of this magnitude rarely come without drama, heavy scrutiny, and long-term implications. This in-depth breakdown covers everything you need to know about the Deshaun Watson trade—how it unfolded, the players and picks involved, the reactions around the league, and the potential ramifications for both the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans.

What Was the Deshaun Watson Trade

On March 18, 2022, the Houston Texans traded quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster deal. The Browns gave up a significant package that included:

Three first-round picks (2022, 2023, 2024)

A 2023 third-round pick

A 2024 fourth-round pick

In return, they received:

Deshaun Watson

A 2024 sixth-round pick

In addition to the trade, the Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract over five years, one of the richest and most controversial quarterback deals in NFL history.

Why Did the Texans Trade Deshaun Watson

The Texans were left with no choice but to part ways with Watson after a series of legal challenges and growing tension between the player and management. Although Watson had established himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, he requested a trade after the 2020 season due to dissatisfaction with the team’s direction and leadership.

His legal issues, involving over 20 civil lawsuits alleging misconduct, further complicated the situation. With Watson sitting out the entire 2021 season and the Texans entering a rebuild phase, the team ultimately decided to move forward without him.

How Did the Trade Affect the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns made a bold move with the Deshaun Watson trade. By securing a potential franchise quarterback, they signaled that they were willing to go all-in, even if it meant absorbing the PR backlash. The acquisition of Watson instantly elevated the team’s expectations.

However, the Browns’ decision sparked mixed reactions. While some fans were excited about the team’s future, others were concerned about the ethical implications of supporting a player facing multiple legal accusations. Despite those concerns, the Browns’ management insisted the move was part of a long-term strategy to win championships.

Short-Term and Long-Term Impact of the Trade

Short-Term

In the short term, the trade did not bring immediate results on the field. Due to an 11-game suspension in 2022 related to the NFL’s investigation, Watson’s availability was limited. The Browns had to rely on backup quarterback play for much of the season, which hurt their playoff chances.

Long-Term

Looking long-term, the Deshaun Watson trade is a high-risk, high-reward move. If Watson returns to his 2020 form, when he threw for over 4,800 yards and 33 touchdowns, the Browns could finally have a franchise quarterback capable of leading deep playoff runs. However, the fully guaranteed nature of his contract means the team is locked in, regardless of performance or potential off-field issues.

How the Trade Changed the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans gained valuable draft capital in the Deshaun Watson trade. With three first-round picks over three consecutive years, they had the opportunity to reset their franchise. They used the picks to strengthen their roster, adding key players on both offense and defense.

The Texans entered a rebuilding phase with a focus on young talent, team culture, and long-term sustainability. As of 2025, the results of their draft picks are beginning to show promise, and the team is slowly climbing out of the bottom of the league standings.

Reactions Around the NFL

The Deshaun Watson trade drew reactions from across the league. Some executives applauded the boldness of the Browns’ front office, while others criticized the guaranteed contract and ethical message it sent. Analysts debated whether any player, especially one with unresolved legal issues, was worth such a massive investment.

Media coverage was extensive, and the trade became a major talking point on sports networks, podcasts, and social media. Even today, the Watson trade is referenced as a key example of how off-field issues can intersect with on-field talent and decision-making.

FAQs

What did the Cleveland Browns give up for Deshaun Watson?

In exchange for Watson, the Cleveland Browns sent the Houston Texans three first-round draft picks (2022, 2023, 2024), a 2023 third-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick. This massive package reflected the high regard in which Watson was held, despite the legal issues surrounding him. In addition, the Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract over five years, one of the richest deals in NFL history.

How did the Deshaun Watson trade affect the Cleveland Browns?

The Deshaun Watson trade had an immediate impact on the Cleveland Browns. The team gained a franchise quarterback capable of leading them to the playoffs, but Watson’s 11-game suspension in 2022 meant that the team had to rely on backup quarterbacks for a portion of the season. Long-term, the trade could pay off if Watson returns to his previous elite form, but it has also raised concerns due to the guaranteed contract and the off-field controversies associated with Watson.

What are the legal issues surrounding Deshaun Watson?

Deshaun Watson faced over 20 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. These lawsuits, along with an NFL investigation, were a key factor in Watson’s suspension. However, Watson did not face criminal charges, and he settled many of the civil cases. His legal situation is a central aspect of the conversation surrounding his trade and long-term prospects in the NFL.

What are the Texans getting in the Deshaun Watson trade?

The Houston Texans received significant draft capital in the trade, including three first-round picks over three years. This gives the Texans a solid foundation for their rebuild, allowing them to select top-tier talent and potentially reshape their roster for the future.

How will the Deshaun Watson trade impact the NFL?

The Deshaun Watson trade has had far-reaching implications in the NFL, especially concerning guaranteed contracts and how legal matters affect a player’s career. It has sparked debates about the morality of trading for a player with ongoing legal issues and whether the financial commitment to such players is worth it. The trade could set a precedent for future deals and player acquisitions, particularly in high-profile cases.

To Conclude

The Deshaun Watson trade will be analyzed and debated for years to come. From a pure football standpoint, Watson has the talent to be a game-changer. But football doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The off-field concerns and immense financial commitment make this trade one of the most polarizing in NFL history.

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