The Cleveland Browns have just given a quarterback with over 20 sexual misconduct charges a full guaranteed $230 million contract, the most guaranteed money in NFL history. What it means, which teams were interested and what will be the fallout? First, a little background to catch up the unfamiliar.
The Watson circus started spring of 2020 when the first accuser came forward followed quickly by over twenty more. He was in the middle of sour contract negotiations with the Houston Texans and sat out the entire season amid the allegations. The lawsuits began as nearly twenty-five women filed criminal and civil lawsuits against Watson between March 2020 and March 2021 accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct during massage therapy appointments while he was with the Houston Texans.
At this point all the cases have been settled out of court and Watson is facing a twelve-game suspension by the NFL. It’s how he was courted by teams during it all and how he ended up getting more money than any player ever is where it gets interesting to me.
What does it mean?
It means that the NFL, like anything else, can be gross. The Browns were not the only team interested in the young quarterback but they outbid the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons when they were the only team that not only guaranteed the entire contract but also moved the money so he wouldn’t lose much in the first year (knowing he would be facing suspension).
Just as slimy as it gets. Even during the introduction press conference Jimmy Haslem, the owner of the Browns, had an unintended moment of transparency where he let his true motivations show “He’s a great quarterback and he’s only 26”. That’s all he cares about. If the player is good enough, I truly believe they could get away with anything and no matter how bad it looks the sad truth is that if they win games, everyone will forget. It’ll fade away.
The Browns will sell out games and Jimmy Haslem will make an excellent return on his investment. I suppose in the gentleman’s club that is NFL ownership where bragging rights are everything anything goes.
What’s the fallout?
The fallout has already begun. Other quarterbacks around the league that have also had success at an early age are beginning contract negotiations. What are they supposed to do, take less money than the guy who has had less success and twenty sexual misconduct allegations? I don’t think so. The Watson situation has muddied the waters for everyone.
The latest player this has impacted is Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Formerly a league MVP and still just 25 he is next up to receive a massive contract. The only problem is he won’t (and shouldn’t) take less than Deshaun. This presents a problem for the Ravens who want to pay him but want to reset the market that Haslem, Watson and the Browns broke. The fact of the matter is the best negotiation tactic players have now is being difficult and forcing the hand of their teams. They reach an agreement or are traded to a team that will accommodate them.
Being difficult has resulted in more money. Lamar and others will have a choice to make but it’s easy to see why they wouldn’t accept a dime less than Deshaun Watson.
Follow me @BrodysBlog and check out my recap on the AFC ship
References:
Brody's Blog 