2 years, 8 months ago

Deshaun Watson, the Browns and an NFL suspension: When should the QB expect a decision?

The NFL and NFLPA’s appointed disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson has recommended Deshaun Watson be suspended 6 games, follow our live coverage. Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL are awaiting news on a potential punishment — and likely suspension — for the quarterback. If Watson and the Browns or the NFL don’t agree with the duration of the suspension Robinson hands down, they will be free to appeal. Knowing that, Watson’s representatives negotiated the deal with the Browns to have a $1.035 million base salary in year one.

Nfl Brissett Browns Watson Deshaun Watson Suspension Robinson sexual suspension robinson nfl watson expect million qb likely deshaun decision games watsons browns

History of this topic

2 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson reinjures Achilles, has surgery and will miss ‘significant’ time in 2025

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s already unstable future with the Browns is even shakier. Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after Cleveland’s polarizing quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months and underwent another operation that could put his career in jeopardy. The setback could end Watson’s unsteady stay with the Browns, who believed they had …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has medical setback, clouds future with team

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s future as Cleveland’s quarterback is more uncertain. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Monday that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture, and the team doesn’t know if or when he’ll be available in 2025. Berry said the Browns learned about Watson’s new medical situation during player exit meetings on …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers ‘setback’ in Achilles recovery, ‘too early to tell’ if QB will play in 2025

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a setback during his recovery from his Achilles injury, putting his availability for next season in question, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday. Berry said it’s “too early to tell” if Watson can play in 2025 after Watson told doctors during the quarterback’s end-of-the-season physical that “something didn’t feel right” in his repaired ankle. …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

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

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NFL has closed an …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

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

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL closes probe of latest sexual assault lawsuit against Deshaun Watson due to insufficient evidence

New York Times

A months-long probe into the latest sexual assault lawsuit against Deshaun Watson officially closed on Friday after the NFL confirmed to The Athletic that the Cleveland Browns quarterback will not face discipline due to a lack of evidence. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy,” an NFL spokesperson said, confirming the …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Decision on Watson: Eye-Opening Test for the Offense

Associated Press

Browns' decision on Watson is difficult due to circumstances but obvious to the eye test. The blockbuster trade for Watson in 2022 is among the worst in NFL history. Giving him an unprecedented, fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract was even worse. With Watson, the Browns are 9-10. Without him, coach Kevin Stefanski is 30-26 overall and twice has been …

5 months ago

The Browns’ Deshaun Watson era is over. Why Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be QB for now

New York Times

CLEVELAND — We know the final chapter now of the Deshaun Watson saga in Cleveland. Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters that the team believes Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, with more tests ahead to confirm. “Kind of gave me flashbacks of being back at the Ravens game last year and that feeling I don’t want, feeling that …

5 months ago

What’s Browns’ plan at QB after Deshaun Watson injury? Answers murky for present and future

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The afternoon began with a strategic placement of Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson 10th on the team’s pregame introduction list. GO DEEPER Garrett, Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Watson's injury Winston had to report to the lead referee as part of the NFL’s protocol for an emergency quarterback to be allowed to participate. DTR off …

5 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL QB stock report, Week 6: Deshaun Watson ranks among NFL’s worst, but can Browns bench him?

New York Times

Read The Athletic’s latest NFL QB stock report. It’s been 11 months since Watson has eclipsed 200 passing yards in a game. GO DEEPER What we learned in NFL Week 5: Bengals can't finish, Browns done in by QB they can't bench To take it a step further, Watson has produced one game with at least 250 passing yards and …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson appears to defiantly walk off in the middle of Cleveland Browns game, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski fuming

Daily Mail

Deshaun Watson left Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stunned when he appeared to defiantly walk off the field during Sunday's loss to Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/czT0PJNW6D — Chad Ryan October 6, 2024 Deshaun Watson defiantly walked off the field on a fourth-down play during Sunday's game The quarterback stunned head coach Kevin Stefanski, who wanted to go for it on …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

4 most impactful injuries so far, plus would the Browns bench Watson?

New York Times

Scoop City is The Athletic’s daily NFL newsletter. Live from Charlotte, North Carolina, where the 1-2 Panthers say they aren’t considering trading Bryce Young: Rather than simply watch as the Panthers go down with Young’s stock, The Athletic’s writers explored three trade scenarios, finding he could theoretically fetch a fourth-rounder, significantly better than what the Jets got for Zach Wilson …

6 months ago

Cleveland Browns fans call for Deshaun Watson to be benched amid sexual assault allegations

Daily Mail

Cleveland Browns fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get benched as the quarterback deals with sexual assault allegations. 'Every week for the past 3 years Deshaun Watson has looked like the worst QB in the NFL and there are still people that claim he's just a little rusty,' one fan wrote. Fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get …

6 months, 1 week ago

Browns need Deshaun Watson exit strategy fast. And why on earth are they playing him?

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The number of women who have accused Deshaun Watson in court filings of sexual misconduct is now up to 27. Despite the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, writing in a statement that Watson’s defense team has known about this case for the last 10 months, Watson said Wednesday he didn’t know about it until it was reported in the …

6 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson denies sexual assault allegations, says lawsuit was a surprise. Plans to play Sunday

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Just one game in, Deshaun Watson’s third season with the Browns is already headed in a bad direction. “I haven’t heard anything,” Watson said before practice. I’m not aware of that.” Watson’s appearance on the dais came about an hour after his attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement saying the QB “strongly denies” the claims in the …

6 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson to play vs. Jaguars after being accused of sexual assault in new lawsuit

New York Times

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson will play in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stefanski’s announcement comes two days after a woman filed a lawsuit against Watson accusing him of sexual assault and battery. “We intend to pursue this case with the same aggressiveness with which we pursued the others.” According to the lawsuit, …

6 months, 1 week ago

NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson is again under a spotlight away from the field. The NFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback for an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2020 while he played for Houston. It’s not known if Watson disclosed the newest allegation to the league — or the …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Timeline of Deshaun Watson’s legal troubles, career since first sexual misconduct allegation in 2021

New York Times

Three years after more than 20 women filed lawsuits accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct, the Cleveland Browns quarterback is facing more legal action and allegations. One day later, the Texans organization is added as defendants to the civil lawsuits, with Buzbee citing details from The New York Times’ report and claiming the franchise “was well aware of Watson’s issues, …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson accused of sexual assault by Texas woman in 2020 incident

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual assault in a new civil lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges the Cleveland Browns quarterback forced himself on her four years ago when he played with Houston. It’s the latest legal entanglement for Watson, who settled 23 of 24 lawsuits against him in 2022 after two dozen women accused him …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson’s shaky performance in opener heightens concerns whether QB can deliver for Browns

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson didn’t flinch last week when asked if he still considers himself one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Watson didn’t even look average — never mind elite — on Sunday w ith a ragged performance in the season opener that has only heightened the belief that the Browns made a colossal mistake in signing him to a …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson has rough return in first game since surgery as Browns thumped 33-17 by Cowboys

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Lying face down in the grass, Deshaun Watson couldn’t see another of his passes sail out of bounds. Watson didn’t look comfortable from the start in his first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November as the Cleveland Browns were blasted 33-17 in their season opener by the Dallas Cowboys. Watson spent much of …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson sits out preseason finale after dealing with sore arm earlier in week

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s return to the field won’t happen until the games count. The Cleveland quarterback was held out of the Browns’ preseason finale Saturday night at Seattle. Coach Kevin Stefanski had planned to play Watson in the preseason finale but instead decided to take a cautious approach with the franchise QB. “I’ve seen a lot from him and really that …

7 months ago

Browns enter make-or-break 3rd season with QB Deshaun Watson following suspension, shoulder injury

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the one, the missing piece to return Cleveland’s forlorn franchise to fame. On the eve of a make-or-break third season in Cleveland, there are lingering questions and even some doubts about whether Watson, who has only played 12 games in the past four years due to an NFL suspension in 2022 and …

7 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

7 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Quarterback QB Deshaun Watson aiming to block out ‘noise’ after 2 turbulent seasons for Browns

Associated Press

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Deshaun Watson has shifted into self-protection mode. Cleveland’s contentious quarterback, who has played just 12 games the past two seasons due to an NFL suspension followed by a shoulder fracture that required major surgery, said Friday that he’s worked on a new approach as he enters a critical Year 3 with the Browns. So, sometimes …

11 months ago

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that’s never been to one. The team’s franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. The team’s massive investment into Watson affects every move the Browns make, …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns excited about getting Deshaun Watson healthy as they look ahead to next season

New York Times

The Browns’ offseason began with Kevin Stefanski providing a positive update on quarterback Deshaun Watson, and the expected confirmation from Cleveland’s coach that, yes, Watson will be the team’s starter as soon as he’s healthy. Joe Flacco signed to the practice squad eight days after Watson’s injury and led the Browns to a four-game December win streak that helped them …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns coach confident Deshaun Watson will be ‘ready to roll’ after season-ending shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s first two seasons with the Browns have been short, underwhelming and incomplete. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he’s still confident Watson will bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him this season and become the elite quarterback Cleveland mortgaged its future to get. “We all know what he’s capable of and we’re excited …

1 year, 3 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson says right shoulder rehab on track following season-ending surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s season ended last month. “But I’m very supportive, and the guys got to keep rolling because they’re on fire right now.” Watson got hurt in the first half of a Nov. 12 game at Baltimore. Until then, I’m just going to follow every rules and every precaution they want me to follow.” After the surgery, Watson …

1 year, 4 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has shoulder surgery. Team expects full recovery before start of ’24 season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his second season in Cleveland after just nine games. The Browns said shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to fix the displaced fracture of Watson’s right glenoid. The 28-year-old will begin rehab later this …

$Browns lose QB Deshaun Watson for rest of season with shoulder fracture; rookie starting vs Steelers$

1 year, 4 months ago

Browns lose QB Deshaun Watson for rest of season with shoulder fracture; rookie starting vs Steelers

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson felt blindsided by the injury — as did the Browns. “It’s tough to try to wrap everything around my head right now.” Browns general manage Andrew Berry said the fracture is not related to the strained rotator cuff that Watson sustained earlier this season and kept him off the field for almost four full games. …

1 year, 4 months ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson out Sunday, P.J. Walker to start vs. Seahawks: Why it’s a good move for Cleveland

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a shoulder injury, and backup quarterback P.J. — Zac Jackson, Browns beat writer Resting Watson shouldn’t come as a surprise Watson clearly is injured, and he never looked close to comfortable in two series in Indianapolis. Stefanski said the hit that Watson took last week …

1 year, 5 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson still out with right shoulder injury, can’t put timeline on return to field

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s return is either imminent, a day or two away or not happening for another few weeks. Dealing with a “tricky” injury he described as a strain — and not a bruise as previously reported by the team — to the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, Watson, who has already missed two games, said Wednesday …

1 year, 5 months ago

Browns stuck in wait-and-see mode as Deshaun Watson rehabs shoulder injury

New York Times

The waiting game continues for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who again missed practice Wednesday because of a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans. “There may be some throwing part of that, but it’s rehab.” Stefanski said Watson remains “day to day” and has been “working around the clock” to get back. Before the bye …

1 year, 5 months ago

Browns rookie QB Thompson-Robinson has brutal NFL debut filling in for injured Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s strong training camp and preseason persuaded the Browns to install the rookie as Deshaun Watson’s backup. With Watson sidelined by a bruised right throwing shoulder, Thompson-Robinson made his NFL debut and looked overwhelmed and overmatched throughout Cleveland’s 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. But after a 10-minute pregame workout watched closely by head trainer Joe Sheehan, …

1 year, 5 months ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson out vs. Ravens; Dorian Thompson-Robinson to start at QB: Sources

New York Times

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will not be active against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday due to an injury to his throwing shoulder, per team sources. Here’s what you need to know: With Watson out, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson — a fifth-round pick out of UCLA who had a strong preseason — will make his first career start. Thompson-Robinson’s impressive preseason …

1 year, 5 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson is questionable to play against the Ravens amid shoulder soreness

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson watched most of practice from the sideline Friday. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” Watson will be healthy enough to go. “He knows his body, so that’s why I’m hopeful.” Fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson would start if Watson doesn’t. “It’s just the life of a backup.” Watson threw just a couple of passes Friday before …

1 year, 5 months ago

Deshaun Watson questionable vs. Ravens, but Browns’ Stefanski ‘hopeful’ he’ll play

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is questionable to play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens because of an injury to his throwing shoulder, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” his starting QB will play. This week’s limited throwing for Watson is considered to be cautionary and the Browns are optimistic he plays, a team source said. The Browns finish this …

1 year, 6 months ago

Jones: Deshaun Watson isn’t the QB he once was, but he can still help Browns

New York Times

Helped off the grass late Monday night at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium, Deshaun Watson looked dazed and confused. These weren’t the kind of plays the Browns expected from Watson when they traded for him from the Houston Texans in 2022, then awarded him a historic, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. It marked the fifth time in Watson’s eight games with the …

1 year, 6 months ago

Browns desperately need Deshaun Watson to play like a franchise QB after Nick Chubb injury

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — The grass inside Acrisure Stadium has served as 100 yards of graves to Cleveland careers for more than two decades. Stefanski acknowledged the obvious: that Chubb’s season is over and imaging will likely confirm Chubb’s entire knee was shattered on a hit by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick early in the second quarter. Watson was responsible for four touchdowns …

1 year, 7 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson opens up on 11-game NFL ban over sexual misconduct allegations made by more than two dozen women... and says punishment 'changed him'

Daily Mail

Deshaun Watson has claimed that he's a changed man following the end of his legal troubles last year, as he aims to hit the ground running with the Cleveland Browns in his full debut season with the franchise. The 27-year-old quarterback served an 11-game suspension and was slapped with a $5million fine by the NFL for allegations of sexual misconduct …

1 year, 8 months ago

Browns, QB Deshaun Watson head into second camp with suspension in past, raised expectations

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS CAMP SITES: White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.; Berea, Ohio KEY ADDITIONS: Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, DE Za’Darius Smith, S Juan Thornhill, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo, S Rodney McLeod, WR Elijah Moore, WR Marquise Goodwin, TE Jordan Akins, rookie WR Cedric Tillman, QB Joshua Dobbs. KEY LOSSES: Defensive coordinator Joe Woods, special team …

2 years, 2 months ago

Watson, Browns regroup following season shaped by suspension

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson is dealing with another suspension, this one not nearly as personal or punishing as the last. In some ways, the Browns played two seasons, one before Watson’s ban with Jacoby Brissett as the starter, and then six games with the $230 million quarterback expected to change the franchise’s fortunes. In our minds, it has been …

2 years, 2 months ago

Jackson: Browns’ offseason uncertainty begins with looming coaching staff decisions

New York Times

It wouldn’t be fair to say the Browns are limping to the end of the season. It would be much more accurate to say the Browns are winding their way through their final practice week much in the way they’ve done through this roller-coaster of a season. All involved hope Deshaun Watson is just getting started and that the Browns’ …

2 years, 3 months ago

Deshaun Watson struggles in Browns debut; defense, special teams carry Cleveland past Houston

New York Times

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in his return to the league Sunday against the Texans. Watson was allowed to return to the team in a limited capacity the week of Oct. 10 and was allowed to practice leading up to the Browns’ Week 11 matchup against the Bills. He’ll be better next week.” – Jackson Cleveland’s ground game carries offense …

2 years, 3 months ago

What Deshaun Watson and the Browns have done to prepare for his starting debut

New York Times

It’s fair to expect that the Browns’ transition to Deshaun Watson won’t be totally smooth. After this week, the Browns’ next two games are divisional matchups that could be really juicy and will mean something in the standings to at least one team. Now, Watson and Brown both play for the Browns, and Brown figures to get some chances in …

2 years, 4 months ago

Browns QB Watson practices for 1st time during suspension

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson whipped a short pass, pulled down on the face mask of his helmet and ducked his head before running across the field while trailing starter Jacoby Brissett and Cleveland’s other quarterbacks. Coach Kevin Stefanski would not reveal any specifics about plans to get Watson ready to play in two weeks while also preparing Brissett for …

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2 weeks, 3 days ago