Cleveland Browns agree to trade for Texans' Deshaun Watson

By Jacob Lev, CNN

Updated 0120 GMT (0920 HKT) March 19, 2022

Deshaun Watson, shown in 2020, didn't play last season due to legal issues.

(CNN)The Houston Texans have agreed to trade embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns, according to Texans General Manager Nick Caserio.

Watson posted an edited picture of himself in a Browns uniform on Instagram Friday with a caption saying, «Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!!! #DawgPound Ready To Work!»Last week, a Harris County grand jury declined to charge Watson over allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct. Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits, many of them alleging sexual assault and misconduct.The NFL is also investigating the accusations and if Watson is found to have violated league rules, he likely would be suspended.«I felt it was the right move for our organization as we head into the new league year focused on building our roster for the 2022 season,» Caserio said in a statement.Read MoreAccording to NFL.com, Watson told the Texans he is willing to waive his no-trade clause for the move and will reportedly receive a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract from the Browns. It would be the highest guaranteed money given to a NFL player, according to ESPN. The Texans said they were sending Watson and a fifth-round pick in 2024 to the Browns for a first-round pick in the next three drafts, a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round selection.Texas grand jury declines to charge NFL QB Deshaun Watson«Any transaction would have no effect on the NFL's ongoing and comprehensive investigation of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson,» NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in a statement. «Nor would it affect his status under the Collective