Fans of the Cleveland Browns says goodbye to Mayfield, as Watson has been named the team’s new franchise quarterback.
The Browns are handling Watson a fully guaranteed 5-year contract worth $230 million, according to Rapoport. They are betting everything on him being the lone difference-maker who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory. Cleveland has been freeing cap space by cutting players like Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, and J.C Tretter, who were starters on offense last year, during the last week.
Furthermore, according to Rapoport, the Browns are apparently building in some protection for Watson if (when?) he is suspended by NFL, as his base salary for the 2022 season is only $1 million. This means that any money Watson loses as a result of his suspension will be reduced.
What is NFL take on all of this?
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL sent a statement from its PR man Brian McCarthy following the news of the transaction, claiming that the league’s investigation is ongoing.
What are the Browns sacrificing?
Cleveland is giving up a lot, which adds to the “all-in” mentality. Cleveland is set to trade three first-round picks, according to Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson. The remaining two picks are projected to be a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Last year, while Cleveland still had a first-round pick, they were able to host the NFL Draft, but it doesn’t appear like they will do so again until 2025.
What about Baker Mayfield?
Cleveland is also working on a deal to trade Mayfield right now, though the team is expected to receive a pittance in return. The Seattle Seahawks, who traded Russell Wilson, and the Indianapolis Colts, who traded Carson Wentz, are two teams said to have interest in Mayfield.
