From what I have read, this is my understanding ... with a little paraphrasing.
Watson had a no-trade-clause, so Houston had to work-out a deal; and, then get Watson to approve it.
The Texans worked-out acceptable trades with the Saints, Falcons, Panthers and Browns.
Watson then started speaking with those teams, and visited at least some. He then narrowed-down his choices to Atlanta or New Orleans, telling Carolina and Cleveland ... 'You Bums are Out'.
Cleveland then said to Watson and his reps ... 'Wait a second Deshaun baby! What if we increase your already bloated contract and fully guarantee it. And, we'll make the 2022 salary a low amount, so if you are suspended for all-or-part of 2022 and lose salary, you will not lose that much $.'
Watson thought about that for a Nano-Second, and said: 'Cleveland sounds like a lovely place to play football.'