Did the Atlanta Falcons Win by Losing the Deshaun Watson Trade Sweepstakes?

The Atlanta Falcons nearly traded for Deshaun Watson before the Cleveland Browns swooped in. Now with Watson missing 22 games in two seasons, did the Falcons dodge a bullet?

Two years ago, the Atlanta Falcons were rumored to have essentially landed three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. However, in a shocking turn of events, at the last second, Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns, to the frustration of some Atlanta fans. 

Let's look at how that trade has aged and decide if the Falcons were lucky to have actually lost the trade sweepstakes in hindsight.

On the field, Watson was widely regarded as one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. The belief was that no matter how many allegations surrounded Watson off the field, the one thing that was known was how well he would perform on the field...at least that's what was assumed.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium / Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Since getting traded to Cleveland and being given a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, Watson has spent more time on the sidelines than on the field. A recent season-ending shoulder surgery means that Watson will have only played in 12 out of the team's 34 games since giving up its 2022, 2023, and 2024 first-round picks, in addition to a 2023 third-round pick and 2024 fourth-round pick. The Texans also sent the Browns a 2024 fifth-round pick.

Those Cleveland picks have proven valuable. The picks include impressive rookies such as the No. 3 overall pick, defensive end Will Anderson, and wide receiver Tank Dell, who has helped accelerate the development of quarterback C.J. Stroud and the organization's rebuild.

As for Atlanta, the team has struggled with quarterback play in recent years, but the team has managed to construct a roster that looks as though it's a quarterback away from contending rather than wagering its high-end draft picks, such as the No. 8 pick, which turned into star running back Bijan Robinson for a quarterback who has struggled in the limited games he's been able to play in. 

Watson has looked like a shell of his All-Pro self when he has played for the Browns. In 12 games, Watson has thrown 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions, completing under 60 percent of his passes for a total of 2,271 passing yards.

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Falcons incumbent starter Desmond Ridder has taken a lot of heat from fans wanting a true star at the position. However, the young quarterback has completed roughly 65 percent of his passes for 2,448 passing yards while starting 12 games for Atlanta, numbers that exceed Watson.

The Falcons may not have its franchise quarterback yet, but it appears the franchise lucked out when the Browns traded for Watson.