NFL ends latest Deshaun Watson investigation, citing lack of evidence

The NFL is closing the book on Deshaun Watson’s latest legal matter. The Cleveland Browns quarterback will not be fined or suspended for the most recent sexual assault allegations made against him, with the league citing a lack of evidence.

“The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Associated Press on Friday. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”

Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney, issued a statement on the NFL’s decision, saying: “We are delighted to put this issue behind us so that Deshaun can concentrate on recovering from his injury and preparing for next season.”

Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022 and was fined $5 million by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. One day after the Browns’ season opener, a new lawsuit was filed against Watson, accusing the quarterback of sexual assault and battery in October 2020. The sides later reached a confidential settlement agreement.

The quarterback has faced 24 civil suits that first began to surface in 2021, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, 23 of which have been settled. Watson was traded to the Browns in March 2022, despite the legal situation surrounding him.

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Watson’s career on the field has been in a downward spiral since he arrived in Cleveland. The latest chapter came when he ruptured his Achilles in October. Although his 2024 campaign is over, the quarterback does have plans to play next season.

The 29-year-old still carries an average salary of $46 million in each of the next two seasons, which would complete the five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal Watson inked upon his arrival in Cleveland. The Watson experiment has been nothing short of a disaster for the Browns. He’s appeared in just 19 games over three seasons, posting a 9-10 record and has been routinely outplayed by the likes of Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston.

Watson owns what is regarded as the worst contract in the NFL, which makes it difficult for the Browns to move on. It remains to be seen if the team is willing to pay the hefty price, financially, to end the Watson era.