NFL Insider Reveals How Historically Bad Browns’ Deshaun Watson Trade Really Is

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns made a massive mistake when they pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.

In exchange for Watson, the Browns gave up their 2022 first and fourth round picks, their 2023 first and third round picks, and their 2024 first and fourth round selection as well. In addition to getting Watson, Cleveland received a 2024 sixth round pick from the Texans.

Following the trade to acquire Watson, the Browns made an even bigger mistake, giving him a five-year, $230 million contract.

Since the trade, Watson has played in a total of 19 games. He has thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Just how bad was the trade when it comes to the history of NFL trades? One NFL insider didn't hold back his opinion at all.

Pete Prisco of CBS boldly stated that the move from Cleveland to acquire Watson is the worst trade of all-time.

"It's the worst trade in the history of the National Football League and it's not close," he said.

"It's the worst trade in the history of the National Football League and it's not close."@PriscoCBS on the Deshaun Watson trade. pic.twitter.com/REazYhxiIH
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) March 31, 2025

On Monday, the Browns' owner, Jimmy Haslam, admitted to the colossal mistake and took full blame for it.

“We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun," Haslam said. "We thought we had the quarterback, we didn't and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we've got to dig ourselves out of that hole. (It) was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee and I, so hold us accountable.”

Cleveland now has to claw their way back to relevance. Kenny Pickett is the current starter, but the Browns are expected to bring in another quarterback.

Whether that quarterback will come in the 2025 NFL Draft or via a veteran option remains to be seen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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