On March 18, 2022, the Cleveland Browns acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade, sending three first-round picks and other selections to Houston while signing Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. The trade is now widely considered one of the worst in NFL history, as the Texans used the acquired picks to draft stars like Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson, while the Browns' former quarterback Baker Mayfield thrived with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning consecutive division titles and earning Pro Bowl nods. In stark contrast, Watson's play declined sharply, and he suffered back-to-back season-ending Achilles injuries, including a second rupture in January 2025 that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. The deal was also heavily criticized because it occurred amidst a series of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Watson, creating significant ethical and public relations baggage that damaged fan support for the franchise. Ultimately, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in 2025 that the trade was "a big swing and miss," cementing its legacy as a cautionary tale in NFL history.