Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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NFL closes investigation of Deshaun Watson’s SA lawsuit citing insufficient evidence

Deshaun Watson cleared by NFL; Browns face tough contract decisions.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The NFL has shut the door on its investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. A spokesperson for the league confirmed there wasn’t enough evidence to prove he violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

The #NFL has closed its review of Deshaun Watson's case, a league spokesman told clevelanddotcom. There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 6, 2024

This is the same Watson who faced an 11-game suspension in 2022 after over two dozen women accused him of misconduct during massage sessions. And yet, the league says this time, “insufficient evidence.” That’s it. Case closed.

The September lawsuit and settlement

The lawsuit, filed in September, accused Watson of sexual assault and battery during an incident in October 2020. At the time, Watson played for the Houston Texans. The accuser, referred to as Jane Doe, claimed the assault occurred before a planned dinner at her apartment.

Watson denied the allegations, with his attorney, Rusty Hardin, issuing a strong statement in his defense. Both sides resolved the case with a confidential settlement, according to attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the accuser. The lawsuit was unrelated to previous claims involving massage sessions.

Watson’s prior suspension and legal history

Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after over two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. Although two Texas grand juries declined to press criminal charges, the NFL imposed the suspension under its personal conduct policy. Watson was fined $5 million and required to undergo a behavioral evaluation and treatment program.

Deshaun Watson has the best legal team ever.

-They got rid of 26 CASES.
-They helped him sign a 230$ million contract after not playing football for 2 years.
-And now they settled a case where the accuser had video evidence and wanted to cooperate with the NFL.#Browns https://t.co/IayP9H6f6a pic.twitter.com/W7PJd2iF1M
— AmiR (@AmirReza7_) December 6, 2024

In 2022, Watson settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits related to those allegations. His suspension marked one of the highest-profile disciplinary actions in NFL history.

What this means for the Browns and their $230 million man

The Browns are still on the hook for Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract. That’s $46 million per year through 2026, even though Watson hasn’t delivered much on the field. He’s played just 19 games over the last three seasons, thanks to suspensions and injuries.

There was a small chance the Browns could’ve voided parts of that deal if the league had found he violated its policies again. But now, with the investigation officially closed, Cleveland’s hands are tied. They’re stuck with a quarterback who’s become a gamble in every sense of the word.

Watson’s season ended in Week 7 after tearing his Achilles. Before the injury? He posted the worst Total QBR in the league. The Browns have turned to Jameis Winston in his absence, who has gone 2-3 as a starter and managed to bring some life to their struggling offense.

What’s next for Deshaun Watson?

Watson has a long road ahead—on and off the field. He’s rehabbing his Achilles and aiming to return next season. The Browns, meanwhile, are stuck navigating his massive contract while dealing with a disappointing season.

NFL closes latest investigation of Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/mWsevnyywR
— MR_Lee (@SmaRtkhAN9038) December 7, 2024

For now, the NFL is done with this case. League spokesperson Brian McCarthy made that clear: “The matter is closed. There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”

What’s left? A quarterback with a tainted legacy, a franchise in financial limbo, and fans still wondering if the Browns’ gamble was worth it.

Image: © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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