BREAKING NEWS: Fans Fume at Deshaun Watson After Declining $186.7M NIL Offer from Bears and Ravens — Chooses Loyalty to Browns Instead
In a surprising twist that has sparked outrage from across the NFL landscape, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing backlash — not for leaving, but for staying.
The star quarterback has reportedly rejected an astronomical $186.7 million NIL-style offer over three years from both the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens in what insiders are calling “quiet tampering attempts” to secure Watson as their franchise QB of the future.
The deal, while unofficial under NFL guidelines, was structured to mirror Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals typically associated with college athletes — a creative yet controversial tactic that has drawn league scrutiny. The offer, nearly matching Watson’s current lucrative contract, included endorsement opportunities, equity stakes in affiliated businesses, and performance incentives. Despite the alluring package, Watson made it clear: he’s staying in Cleveland.
“I came to Cleveland to win, to build something lasting,” Watson reportedly told team insiders. “I’m not walking away from this team, this city, or my mission. I want to finish my career with the Browns and bring a championship to the Dawg Pound.”
While many might expect Browns fans to embrace such loyalty, the reaction has been anything but unanimous. Social media erupted with frustration from fans who still hold mixed feelings about Watson’s on-field performance since joining the Browns in 2022.
Critics pointed to the inconsistency, missed games, and the baggage from his off-field controversies as reasons they were ready for a fresh start — and saw this potential exit as a golden opportunity.
“This was our chance to move on and start over,” one fan wrote on X. “Instead, he doubled down. Loyalty is great — if it’s earned.” Another added, “He turned down $186 million and a clean slate, and we’re stuck paying top dollar for mid-tier results.”
Despite the backlash, some fans and members of the Browns organization are rallying behind Watson, praising his decision as a sign of maturity and belief in the team’s direction under head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“Deshaun wants to win here. That’s what we need — a leader who’s all in,” Stefanski said when asked about the reports. “He’s locked in, focused, and committed to our mission. That means something in this league.”
The tampering attempts by the Bears and Ravens — two teams with glaring quarterback questions heading into the future — are likely to spark a league investigation. If proven true, penalties could be handed down, including fines and draft pick losses.
For Watson, the choice is clear: he’s betting on Cleveland, despite the noise, the critics, and the tempting offers elsewhere. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — he’s not backing down from the challenge.
Now, all eyes are on Watson to prove that loyalty and leadership can still bring championships in Cleveland.
