Cleveland, Ohio Despite the most recent claim of sexual assault, Deshaun Watson is not in danger of receiving another fine or suspension from the NFL.
The issue is resolved, a league spokesperson told Cleveland.com on Friday. A finding of a breach of the personal conduct policy was not supported by enough evidence.
The Browns chose not to respond.
Attorney Tony Buzbee filed the lawsuit in September on behalf of Jane Doe, an unidentified plaintiff, who claimed that Watson had sexually assaulted her in her apartment during a 2020 date in Houston.
Watson’s camp, represented by Buzbee, reached a deal on October 7th, the 24th settlement of a civil claim filed by a plaintiff who accused Watson of sexual assault. During their consultations, primarily in Houston when Watson was playing for the Texans, the other 23 massage therapists accused Watson of misbehaving. The plaintiff was requesting damages over $1 million.
Watson is no longer in danger of having the remaining portion of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal void due to the most recent event. The contract, which pays him an average of $46 million annually, is still in effect for two more years.
The 29-year-old Watson had season-ending surgery on October 25 after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the Bengals’ October 20 defeat. Watson intends to play in the upcoming season after a full recovery. According to a source, he is on track and his recuperation is proceeding smoothly. Given that recuperation from surgery typically takes nine months, Watson might be prepared to practice, at least in part, by the time training camp begins in July.
The NFL’s probe, headed by NFL special counsel for investigations Lisa Friel, proceeded even after Watson settled the complaint last month. Friel, the former head of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office’s sex crimes branch, oversaw the investigation into claims of sexual misconduct made by over two dozen massage therapists against Watson during his time playing for the Texans, primarily in 2021.
Following that inquiry, the NFL found that Watson had engaged in sexual misconduct and other rules breaches, which led to an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine. Because of what the NFL considered to be a troubling pattern of behavior, he was also mandated to receive rigorous treatment.
However, a crucial aspect of the agreement stated that Watson would not face any disciplinary action unless a new instance from the same era was sufficiently severe and unique to justify it.
On October 15, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters covering the annual conference in Atlanta, “We’re continuing our review.” The personal conduct policy is something we take very seriously. As a result, our personnel are working hard.
According to a source who spoke to Cleveland.com, the NFL tried multiple times to interview the plaintiff but was unable to do so.
In an email answer to cleveland.com, Buzbee stated, “My client settled her case.” The NFL did not hear from her.
In an email response, Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, stated, “We are happy to move this matter along so that Deshaun can focus on getting better from his injury and getting ready for next season.”
During the bye week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated that even though Watson was jeered during the Bengals game’s introductions and while he was on the field with his Achilles torn, it’s feasible that he will play football for the Browns once more. With Watson in charge, the Browns went 1-6 in their first seven games of the season due to several offensive issues, including injuries throughout the offensive line, David Njoku missing the most of six games due to a high ankle sprain, and Amari Cooper struggling before being dealt to the Bills.
The Browns have gone 2-3 with team and fan favorite Jameis Winston as quarterback, and he has averaged a league-high 336 passing yards in that time. However, the Browns are giving themselves every chance to start at quarterback in the upcoming campaign, including Watson.
According to a source, Watson is on track to play next season and would be open to returning despite the jeers he received from fans while he was on the field, crying and hurt. Last week, Watson told Cleveland.com that he feels good and that his recuperation is progressing well as he walked around the locker room wearing a boot and crutches.
His massive cap obligations over the next few years—nearly $73 million in 2025 and 2026, and $27 million in 2027 assuming he stays on the team—would make it tough even if the Browns chose to cut ties. The Browns would be subject to a $172 million 2025 cap hit if they attempted to trade or cut him before June 1. It would exceed $118 million after June 1.
The Browns will have the choice to trade for a quarterback, sign one in free agency, or pick one. They still have Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster, and they will think about re-signing Winston, who has stated that he would be amenable to returning.
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