The Cleveland Browns faced criticism for paying a high price to obtain quarterback Deshaun Watson when they traded for him in March 2022.
After what the Texans did with the plethora of draft selections the Browns provided them two years ago, that criticism was more than warranted.
This is a synopsis of the agreement: While Houston gained first- and fourth-round selections in 2022, first- and third-round selections in 2023, and first- and fourth-round selections in 2024, Cleveland was awarded Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick.
The Texans selected running back Dameon Pierce and guard Kenyon Green with their two 2022 draft selections. Green missed the 2023 season due to an injury, having started 14 games as a rookie and surrendering four sacks on 823 offensive snaps. As Devin Singletary’s backup in 2023, Pierce had 416 yards of rushing after rushing for 923 yards as a rookie.
Edge-rusher Will Anderson and receiver Tank Dell were acquired as building blocks with the transfer of both 2023 draft selections.
According to Pro Football Focus, Anderson led the Texans with 68 pressures, 45 hurries, and 15 QB hits. He also tied for second place on the team with seven sacks. After collecting 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury and missing Houston’s last six games, Dell swiftly established himself as QB C.J. Stroud’s go-to option.
Additionally, the Texans traded two second-round selections to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for Cleveland’s 2024 first-round pick (number 23 overall), and they used one of those second-round selections to sign receiver Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills.
In summary, Houston traded a divisive quarterback who had outlived everyone in the organization for a starting left guard, a reliable No. 2 running back, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, a dynamic wide receiver who was close to racking up 1,000 yards before suffering an injury, and another outstanding wide receiver who has scored 52 touchdowns and had six straight seasons of 1,000 yards since 2018.
Oh, and the Texans’ 2024 draft selections in the second and fourth rounds are still available. In two seasons and twelve starts, Watson has brought eight victories, fourteen touchdowns, and nine interceptions to Cleveland.
Poor asset management and drafting have cost the Browns front office dearly over the years, but the Watson trade could be one the team will never forget.
Leave a Reply