I've been saying that for years. That franchise does not deserve the loyalty it receives. It's been a gong show for 25 years and though things have been marginally better the past few years, they still aren't any closer to what the goal should be. In fact, they're going backwards again. That Watson trade may be the dumbest thing they've done which is absolutely astounding.
What is the worst trade in NFL history? Here are the worst NFL trades ever, including Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns.
sportsnaut.com
Worst NFL trades ever, including Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns
What is the worst trade in NFL history? The National Football League doesn’t have as many blockbuster trades as the MLB and NBA. However, in recent years, we’ve seen some of the worst NFL trades of all time made with disastrous results for the teams making the big splash.
It should come as no surprise that trading for a quarterback is risky. The Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos found that out in deals for Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson. Of course, their misfortune also provides things for NFL fans to look back on and mock. With that in mind, let’s examine the worst NFL trades ever.
Cleveland Browns massive Deshaun Watson gamble backfires
In the slight defense of the Cleveland Browns, they knew their quarterback history and desperation lead to poor decision-making. Tired of rotating through the likes of Brandon Weeden, Brian Hoyer, Johnny Manziel, DeShone Kizer, Baker Mayfield, Colt McCoy and Derek Anderson, Cleveland rolled the dice on one of the biggest trades in NFL history in 2022.
- Cleveland Browns received: Deshaun Watson, 2024 6th round pick
- Houston Texans receive: 2022 1st (Kenyon Green), 2022 4th (Dameon Pierce) 2023 1st (Will Anderson Jr), 2023 3rd (Tank Dell), 2024 1st (Kamari Lassiter and Jamal Hill), 2024 4th (Cade Stover)
Despite more than two dozen sexual misconduct allegations against Watson, Cleveland traded three first-round picks and multiple third- and fourth-round picks for Watson. The Houston Texans turned those selections into a future Pro Bowl edge rusher in Will Anderson Jr, a starting cornerback, a slot receiver and significant depth for their roster. Plus, moving on from Watson put them in a position to draft C.J. Stroud. Now, the Texans are viewed as a long-term Super Bowl contender in the AFC while the Browns are a very talented team that everyone believes is being held back by its quarterback.
Just sayin': It isn't just the trade, it's the guaranteed 5 year $230M too. His $45M per year is a huge hunk of the NFL salary cap.