Finally, the fate of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for the 2022 NFL season has been decided.
Breaking: NFL and NFLPA reached agreement on an 11-game suspension for Browns QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. The settlement also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. Deal still is not signed but it is agreed to. pic.twitter.com/2dFvcePL9k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “Breaking: NFL and NFLPA reached agreement on an 11-game suspension for Browns QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. The settlement also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. Deal still is not signed but it is agreed to.”
It’s been over a month since the hearing for Watson’s violation of the league’s player conduct policy has ended.
Since then, the league has been pushing for an indefinite suspension which could have led Watson to miss the entire 2022 season and a portion of the 2023 campaign.
Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association came to Watson’s aid and enlisted Jeffrey Kessler to reduce the sentence.
Originally, former federal judge Sue Robinson recommended a six-game suspension for Watson.
However, the league appealed that verdict and Commissioner Roger Goodell had the final say.
Now, it has come down to this and Watson will miss most of the 2022 season.
He did participate in the Browns’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars but that was for the preseason.
What Happens To The Browns?
Given the length of the suspension, the Browns could stick with Jacoby Brissett as their starter until Watson returns.
Likewise, they have the option to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo to give them a better chance at winning.
The Browns could take the blows dealt by Watson’s suspension and bounce back better next season.
After all, they will still have him for four more years.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reveals A Potential Deshaun Watson Settlement