Day five of this year’s free agency brought the deciding draw for Deshaun Watson – a draw which Cleveland won by big stakes. What happens to Baker Mayfield now? Also: JuJu Smith-Schuster goes to the Chiefs.
NFL Free Agency: The recap of Day 5
Cleveland Browns trade for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson: After the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints were considered finalists, Watson finally changed his mind. Cleveland, supposedly already out of the race with the Panthers, prevailed in the end. And that should be closely related to what the Browns are putting on the table financially.
Watson has signed a new five-year, guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns, the highest guaranteed amount in an NFL contract ever. The Texans receive three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick. A 2024 fifth-round pick goes to Cleveland with Watson.
At the same time, it is also clear that the Cleveland Browns must get rid of Baker Mayfield via trade. Mayfield had already informed the Browns of his trade request on Thursday, but Cleveland still refused at the time. However, Cleveland thought he was out of the race for Watson – until he changed his decision.
Among others, the Seattle Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts are now associated with Mayfield. Mayfield himself reportedly told the Browns that a trade to Indianapolis would be his preferred priority.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith Schuster goes to Kansas City: The Chiefs and Smith-Schuster were close to an agreement last year, and now the slot receiver is actually coming to Kansas City. He signs for a year and up to $10.75 million. The contract should be built heavily on bonus payments.
The Seattle Seahawks clean up their front line: Both defensive lineman Kerry Hyder and Edge defenseman Carlos Dunlap had to pack their bags with the Seahawks on Friday. The layoffs, following the signing of Uchenna Nwosu, are another indication that Seattle is looking to move to a clear 3-4 front.
Panthers extend with DJ Moore: Wide receiver DJ Moore stays in Carolina. Moore, who has had over 1,000 receiving yards and four touchdown catches in each of the last three seasons, has had a three-year extension for up to $61.8 million. 41.6 million dollars are guaranteed, he will play the upcoming season under the Fifth Year Option.
The Panthers are also pushing ahead with the rebuilding of their offensive line: after guard Austin Corbett, ex-Ravens center Bradley Bozeman also switched to Carolina on Friday.
49ers invest in special team: The San Francisco 49ers made a double investment in the special team: Returner Ray-Ray McCloud and George Odum, who led the league in special team tackles in 2020, signed in the Bay Area on Friday.
Larry Ogunjobi isn’t going to Chicago after all: The defensive tackle has been Chicago’s big signing so far this offseason, signing with the Bears for three years and up to $40.5 million. But nothing came of it: Ogunjobi failed the medical check and the deal fell through.
Free Agency Outlook: Who’s Still Available?
- OT Terron Armstead
- S tyrant Mathieu
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
- EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
- OT Trent Brown
- OT Duane Brown
- CB Stephon Gilmore
- LB Bobby Wagner
- OT La’el Collins
- C J.C. Tretter
- EDGE Za’Darius Smith
- WR Jarvis Landry
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