The Houston Texans will trade Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns after the quarterback agreed to waive his no-trade clause, according to multiple reports.
Cleveland will be sending three first-round picks and two additional picks to Houston as part of the trade compensation, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports. Watson will also get a new five-year $230-million contract with the Browns that includes $150 million guaranteed at signing.
The 25-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler with a career regular-season record of 28-25 and has appeared in three playoff games.
Through 54 career games with the Texans, Watson has completed 67.8 per cent of his passes for 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,677 yards and 17 scores. The Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons all reportedly expressed interest in Watson.
Editor’s Note: The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.
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Watson did not play a game in 2021 due to investigations in sexual assault and harassment. On March 11 a grand jury declined to indict Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment.
The grand jury’s decision came about a year after the women first filed their suits, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments. One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex.
Houston police began investigating Watson in April 2021 after a criminal complaint was filed. The FBI also was reviewing the allegations.
Prosecutors presented evidence and testimony to the grand jury for over six hours related to nine criminal complaints against Watson, Johna Stallings, chief of the adult sex crimes and trafficking division with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said. She declined to say what possible charges were presented to the grand jury for consideration.
“We respect the grand jury’s decision,” Stallings said.
Stallings said that decision ended criminal proceedings related to Watson in Harris County, where Houston is located.
Watson’s lawyers have said “some sexual activity” happened during some of the massage appointments but that he never coerced anyone.
“We are delighted that the grand jury has looked at the matter thoroughly and reached the same conclusion we did. Deshaun Watson did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offences,” Rusty Hardin, Watson’s lead attorney, said in a statement.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the 22 women, said the criminal case is separate from the civil cases and he will continue the process of questioning Watson as the lawsuits move toward trial. Buzbee recently questioned Watson during a deposition, the first the NFL star has given as part of the lawsuits.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is “closely monitoring all developments” and that matter “remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
– With files from the Associated Press.
