‘Worst trade in NFL history’ – Controversial Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson suffers season-ending injury
While C.J. Stroud receives serious MVP consideration leading the rebuilt Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson's season is over.
The Cleveland Browns stunned the NFL by announcing on Wednesday that Watson will be out for the remainder of the 2023 campaign due to a right shoulder injury.
, Watson wanted to play through his injuries and sought multiple medical opinions, but was told his throwing shoulder could fall apart if he was hit in the same spot again.
The Browns QB was also dealing with a high ankle sprain that affected him during Cleveland's 33-31 comeback road win over Baltimore last Sunday.
Watson had already struggled with injuries this season and some had questioned his dedication to a 6-3 Browns team that is still fighting for an AFC playoff spot.
What's already clear is that the Texans' decision to finally move on from Watson was a franchise changer for two organizations.
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The Texans eventually found their way to Stroud, who's won back-to-back games on last-second stunners, is a near-lock to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and could receive MVP votes if the Texans (5-4) keep winning.
Watson, meanwhile, has been a disaster for the Browns, who gave up a ton to acquire him in a highly debated move that was initially panned and now only looks worse.
Watson was accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by more than 20 women before being traded to Cleveland in March 2022.
"Worst contract of all time," one fan tweeted as the injury news emerged.
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"The greatest example that karma exists," a second fan posted.
"Couldn't have happened to a better guy," a third fan sarcastically said.
"Good riddance," posted another fan with a picture of a movie villain attached.
Another said: "Worst contract and trade in NFL history. Nothing comes close."
Watson is 8-4 as the Browns' starting QB.
But the former first-round pick of the Texans has only played in 12 games since the end of the 2020 season.
Cleveland entered a controversial bidding war to win Watson, then gave up first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in addition to a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick.
The trade became even worse when the Browns gave the troubled Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Watson hasn't come close to delivering on those huge expectations.
He also hasn't been the same QB since he forced a trade out of Houston.