The NFL Players Association is getting the sense that the NFL will eventually hand down a full-season suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson. The NFLPA thinks the NFL might even choose an indefinite suspension lasting at least one year.
Watson settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him for sexual misconduct during massage sessions from 2020 to 2021. The NFL has mounted its own independent investigation into the accusations and will determine its disciplinary action from that investigation.
“Meanwhile, the Browns are awaiting a lengthy suspension for Watson. There is concern from the NFL Players Association that the league will look to suspend the former Clemson standout for the entire 2022 season, if not indefinitely, according to sources. Should that happen, the Browns are expected to go forward with Jacoby Brissett rather than try to reconcile with Mayfield.”
Watson joined the Browns in a trade where Cleveland sent three first-round picks (2022, 2023 and 2024), a third-round pick (2023) and a fourth-round pick (2024) in exchange for Watson and a fifth-round pick (2024). Soon after, the Browns inked Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract with all $230 milion guaranteed. At the time, he was facing 22 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct.