Joe Burrow atop AFC North QB power rankings after first wave of free agency
3. Deshaun Watson
In a shocking turn of events, the Browns ended up landing Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade and went on to give the guy $230 million. That guaranteed money is what sealed the deal for Cleveland and now they have their quarterback for potentially the next decade.
Watson adds another solid quarterback to the AFC North but he’s third for one main reason — We haven’t seen the guy on the field since 2020. He sat out all of last year due to the legal situation and refusing to play for the Texans.
New #Browns jacket and all, Deshaun Watson is in the building. https://t.co/mnxnMuZVP6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2022
When we did last see Watson play, he led the league in passing yards but the Texans won just four games. He’s certainly a talented quarterback but was never able to get over the hump in Houston, which is why he wanted out of the Lone Star State.
The legal issues could lead to Watson being suspended for a chunk (or all) of the 2022 season but when he is able to play, he’ll give the Browns stability at the position. He’s still the third-best quarterback in the division though and Cleveland gave up the farm to land him. This honestly feels like a disaster waiting to happen.