NFL closes investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

The National Football League has officially closed its review of the Deshaun Watson case, according to a league spokesperson. There was insufficient evidence to support finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.

“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’s attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement, via Cleveland.com.

As a result of being cleared in the investigation, the remainder of Watson’s contract is no longer in danger of being terminated. He has two years left on the fully guaranteed, five-year $230 million contract that he signed with the Browns in 2022. He will be paid $46 million for each of the final two years on his contract.

Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon on October 20th, ending his 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns. Before the injury, he completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 passing yards, while tossing in five touchdown passes with three interceptions. He is expected to recover and play next season.

Due to suspension and injuries, Watson has only played in 19 total games over the past two years, throwing for just 1,100 passing yards in three consecutive years (2022-2024). From 2018-2020 with the Houston Texans, Watson threw for over 3,800 passing yards in three straight seasons. Two of those years (2018 and 2020) he threw for over 4,000 passing yards, including 4,823 yards in 2020.

Since 2017, Watson has completed 66.2% of his passes for 17,904 passing yards, while tossing in 123 touchdowns and 48 interceptions.

The 29-year-old quarterback was accused of assault and battery in a civil lawsuit that was filed in early September. Attorney Tony Buzbee said that his client would meet with the NFL to discuss that allegation and that he claimed to have “pertinent” video to provide. The lawsuit was ultimately settled in October. Tony Buzbee told the Associated Press that the terms of that settlement were confidential.

Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022 and was also fined $5 million by the National Football League for violating the personal conduct policy. It was a settlement reached by the NFL and the NFLPA. The punishment was based on allegations from more than two dozen lawsuits filed by women accusing the former Texans star of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He previously had reached settlements with 23 of his accusers and one lawsuit was withdrawn, according to Tony Buzbee, who represents those women.