NFL executives dish on Deshaun Watson, Browns interest

The Cleveland Browns are rumored to have met with Houston Quarterback Deshaun Watson signaling the end of Baker Mayfield as the Browns quarterback.

On Friday Houston Quarterback Deshaun Watson was informed that he wouldn’t be indicted on criminal charges stemming from his 22 civil cases of sexual harassment and assault. After that news broke teams were rumored to have interest in the player including the Cleveland Browns.

On Tuesday afternoon Browns brass was in Houston trying to convince the quarterback to waive his no-trade clause for the Browns.

All of the following quotes can be found in the piece titled NFL execs on Mitchell Trubisky to Steelers and Deshaun Watson’s fest fit from Matt Lombardo of FanSided.

"“The Browns would trade the world in half a second for Deshaun Watson and to win now.” an AFC coach tells FanSided “That organization isn’t committed to the long-term” — Matt Lombardo, FanSided"

This quote is really interesting because general manager Andrew Berry has talked about long-term and sustained success. This isn’t to say this quote is inaccurate just a really interesting piece of information considering how the Browns gm has operated thus far.

One thing is clear with the pursuit of Watson, the Browns believe they must upgrade the quarterback position if they want to win a championship. They have a ton of talent across the roster in other places, but must not have faith Baker Mayfield will be the guy.

"“Cleveland has the best roster,” an NFC head coach tells FanSided. “None of the teams he has been linked to runs an offense that’s best suited for him, but they just added Amari Cooper, so they have the running game and now the weapons.” — Lombardo"

The player would put the Browns over the top talent-wise to truly compete with the best in the AFC, but this player doesn’t come free of off-field issues. Cleveland will have to decide if they are ok with all the distractions that will come with the player in order to win.

Watson also comes with the knowledge that the NFL will likely suspend him for a period of time this year.

Houston has been asking for a king’s ransom for the quarterback, including at least three first-round picks. So do you believe that Watson for sure can win you a Super Bowl? If not you are looking at setting the franchise back without draft picks to recover from.

"“He’d be a great fit anywhere,” an NFL executive tells FanSided. “That dude’s a stud quarterback.”"

The question isn’t can the player on the field play but are you ok with the distraction and what the player brings off the field.