Deshaun Watson got his wish and agreed to be traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, leaving the New Orleans Saints back where they started before rolling out the red carpet for a controversial quarterback. Watson faces 22 accusations of sexual misconduct, and an NFL investigation into those allegations is likely to lead to a lengthy suspension for violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
At the same time, the Saints are scheduled to visit Cleveland for a road game this year. Depending on whether that suspension is handed down as expected and when New Orleans is scheduled to play the Browns, Watson could be lining up against them. The quarterback they worked so hard to recruit, despite the hazardous baggage he brings with him, would be actively seeking to send them home with a loss.
But what if Watson is suspended whenever the Saints come to town? The other quarterbacks on Cleveland’s roster right now include Case Keenum, Nick Mullens, and former first overall draft pick Baker Mayfield, whose public split with the Browns seems certain to end with a trade (despite Cleveland immediately declining to honor his trade request after acquiring his replacement in Watson).
It’s unclear which Browns quarterback would be throwing against the Saints in Watson’s place if he is suspended for that game, but Keenum would not be my personal preference given his history playing against New Orleans. Other non-divisional Saints road opponents scheduled for 2022 include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.
