Deshaun Watson trade: Breaking down every angle of the blockbuster
By Khari Demos
Deshaun Watson trade: Money Angle
At $230 million, Watson’s deal is the third highest in the league in total value, just behind Patrick Mahomes (10 years, $450 million) and Josh Allen (6 years, $258 million). The $46 million average annual salary is right behind Rodgers’ $50.27 million.
The zaniest piece of it all, though, is the $230 million in guaranteed money. It is a part of a trend that has come about in recent years — Rodgers ($101.4 million), Allen ($100 million), and Dak Prescott ($95 million) each set a new record in terms of guaranteed money when they all got new deals over the past year. But nothing compares to Watson’s deal.
Even for a prime, superstar QB, who’s only 26 years old, Watson’s deal is so unprecedented it’s really not comparable to any football contract. In fact, his deal is actually similar to one of an NBA superstar. With his five-year, fully-guaranteed $228.2 million deal kicking in this season, reigning NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has a deal much more similar to Watson’s.
So this deal will have huge ramifications for other players, particularly QB’s looking to strike gold. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson could argue for money in that same range after winning the 2019 NFL MVP award, being named to two Pro Bowls, as well as posting a 38-15 record as a starter (including the playoffs) with three playoff appearances.
If Justin Herbert adds to a resume that has a Pro Bowl selection and NFL Rookie of the Year honor, or if reigning Comeback Player of the Year Joe Burrow can get the Bengals back to a Super Bowl, who’s to say they don’t ask for deals in the Watson zone? What if Kyler Murray breaks through and adds to his honors that include two Pro Bowl trips and 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year award?
This trade was monumental on many fronts, but with how different this bag looked, NFL players should be thanking Watson for helping them get paid.