6 months, 1 week ago

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

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 media. “Watson grabbed Jane Doe’s leg and positioned her so that she was lying down,” the lawsuit states. “Watson then partially disrobed Jane Doe and penetrated her vagina without consent, implicit or explicit.” Yet Stefanski said Watson will start this week against the Jaguars and the Browns appear to have no plans of benching him. And they have to make their decision, and that decision was to give me the opportunity to come be their franchise quarterback to help this team win.” Deshaun Watson speaks to the media before practice https://t.co/1NtQiFiP8y — Cleveland Browns September 11, 2024 Watson has done little to earn such trust from anyone in the organization.

Sexual Misconduct Quarterback Nfl Browns Watson This Week This Case This One Deshaun Stefanski Deshaun Watson Jane Doe New Allegations trust need fast earth quarterback watsons watson strategy decision deshaun team allegations stefanski browns playing exit

History of this topic

2 weeks, 2 days ago

Browns restructure Watson’s contract to get under the salary cap, AP source says

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s contract has been reworked again by the Cleveland Browns as the team looks to clear salary cap space with the new league year less than one week away. A person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday that the latest restructuring of the quarterback’s contract will clear nearly $36 million in cap space for …

2 weeks, 2 days ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, create roughly $36M in cap space: Source

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have again restructured the contract of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, creating around $36 million in salary-cap space for 2025, a team source confirmed. After this restructure and ahead of the potential 2026 cap relief through insurance the Browns had on the contract, the team will still have around $136 million in cap commitments to Watson after the …

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, 1 week ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson retears Achilles and has second surgery, putting 2025 in question

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson retore his Achilles tendon and underwent another surgery to repair it, the team announced Friday, casting further uncertainty over whether he will play in 2025. “Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season,” the Browns said. Watson is currently slated to count …

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. …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, per source: What it means for QB, Cleveland

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Jelani Scott The Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson have agreed to a restructured contract, a team source said Friday, an indication that the quarterback is set to return in 2025 after a failed 2024 season. But the restructure creates some flexibility by allowing Cleveland to spread dead money over multiple years if Watson remains …

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

La NFL concluye investigación contra el quarterback de los Browns, Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — La NFL cerró una investigación sobre las acusaciones de agresión sexual contra el quarterback de los Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson, quien terminará la temporada en la reserva de lesionados por segundo año consecutivo. El jugador de 29 años, sufrió una ruptura del tendón de Aquiles que terminó su temporada en octubre y ha estado rehabilitando la lesión con …

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, 2 weeks ago

Browns were supposed to be in win-now mode, but GM Andrew Berry has a lot to fix

New York Times

Any disappointed Cleveland Browns fan who believed general manager Andrew Berry would discuss the real temperature inside the team’s facility Wednesday or assure that things aren’t as bad as the 2-7 record indicates, probably heads to the bye week feeling like they just watched the team’s offense this season. Berry was asked if Cleveland’s 2022 trade for Watson, which included …

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 …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Winston Stepping Up, Lifting Spirits in Emotional Comeback Against Ravens

Associated Press

QB Jameis Winston's impressive debut gives the Cleveland Browns hope for a turnaround season. Winston threw three touchdown passes and for 334 yards, showcasing his potential to lead the team to success. His performance has fans believing that he can be the answer to Cleveland's QB woes. Despite some missed opportunities, Winston's presence brings light and excitement to a team …

Ravens vs. Browns: Jackson's Domination, Watson's Absence Highlight Battle in AFC North

Associated Press

The Ravens and Browns meet again in a clash of contrasting styles. Lamar Jackson shines for the Ravens, while Deshaun Watson's absence creates a significant challenge for the Browns. The game will be a test of offense against defense, with both teams vying for the division title. Jackson's dual-threat ability and Henry's explosive running will be a major factor in …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns to start QB Jameis Winston vs. Ravens after Deshaun Watson injury

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Alex Andrejev The Cleveland Browns will start quarterback Jameis Winston for Sunday’s matchup against the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday Cleveland is 1-6 and dropped its last five straight games, including a 21-14 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team suffered multiple quarterback injuries in that contest — starter …

5 months ago

MRI confirms Deshaun Watson suffered season-ending Achilles rupture in Browns loss

New York Times

By Zac Jackson, Larry Holder and RJ Kraft An MRI confirmed Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced Monday. Coach Kevin Stefanski and members of the team’s medical staff were out to see Watson almost immediately and the entire Browns team surrounded Watson …

5 months ago

Deshaun Watson injury is latest (final?) chapter in an awful story

New York Times

It’s interesting how quickly life comes at you. My plan entering Sunday’s NFL games was to address Deshaun Watson’s explanation for why he and the Cleveland Browns offense have been so awful this season. However, it’s hard to not believe cosmic forces have been working to balance the scales of justice after Cleveland signed Watson to a ground-breaking, guaranteed $230 …

5 months ago

Myles Garrett, Jameis Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Deshaun Watson’s injury

New York Times

As Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson lay on the ground of Huntington Bank Field after suffering an Achilles injury on a non-contact play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, sarcastic cheers rang from the home fans in the stands. After the game, Browns players and coaches voiced their displeasure with the reaction, saying the fans “should be ashamed.” “We don’t …

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

Browns QB Deshaun Watson believed to have torn Achilles: Source

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to a league source. https://t.co/2aNRLDYo1c — Jeff Howe October 20, 2024 Following the Browns’ 21-14 loss to the Bengals, coach Kevin Stefanski said regarding Watson’s injury being season ending: “Let’s get the tests first, but that’s what it looks like.” Watson was carted off the …

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 ago

Cleveland Browns plan to build new $2.4billion domed stadium amid struggles under Deshaun Watson at quarterback

Daily Mail

The mayor of Cleveland, Ohio confirmed plans for the Cleveland Browns to depart their current stadium on the shores of Lake Erie for a new domed stadium in the suburbs. Rather than extend their lease at Huntington Bank Stadium - which was opened in 1999 - Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb says that Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam wish to …

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, 1 week ago

Browns’ Kevin Stefanski sticking with Deshaun Watson at QB: ‘Gives us the best chance to win’

New York Times

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated Monday that Deshaun Watson remains his starting quarterback despite Cleveland’s 1-5 start to the season with an offense that has struggled to find its footing. “I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win and continues to give us the best chance to win.” Stefanski faced a looming question within Monday’s news conference about …

5 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson under siege as QB’s dismal play leads to criticism, calls for benching

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson is taking hits from all sides, and not just on the field. “At this position, no one’s perfect,” Watson said of the criticism. “No one’s going to always make the right read, so you can nick and pick one play here and there, but I think it’s the body of work of the whole game.” …

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

Browns search for answers and mull changes as season sinks lower after pitiful performance

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson paused several times while searching for answers that were as elusive as a third-down completion. Following the latest embarrassment, a 34-13 loss Sunday at Washington, Cleveland’s beleaguered and battered quarterback, who has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game this season while being sacked a league-leading 26 times behind an offensive line held together …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Latest Deshaun Watson lawsuit settled confidentially, lawyer says

New York Times

The lawsuit filed last month against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson accusing him of sexual assault and battery was resolved, the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, said Monday. The lawsuit came more than two years after Watson reached settlements with over two dozen women who accused him of sexual misconduct. GO DEEPER Timeline of Deshaun Watson's legal troubles, career since first …

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, 2 weeks ago

Browns need a QB change to salvage what’s left of their season

New York Times

— It’s the first week of October and the Browns’ season has ended before the Guardians season. It feels like it’s already over, long before the leaves change, before the bye week, before a pumpkin is carved, before the NBA season begins and before the Guardians’ baseball fate has been determined. Rookie Zak Zinter might eventually be a very good …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ nightmare season takes another hit following blowout loss to Commanders

New York Times

— It was fair to wonder if the Cleveland Browns might have to rely on their defense early in the season. GO DEEPER Browns need a QB change to salvage what's left of their season Sunday, the Washington Commanders sacked Watson seven times en route to a 34-13 victory. The Browns would have punted on seven straight drives in the …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson says he deserves blame after Browns drop to 1-3

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — For the second straight week, the Cleveland Browns had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to rally for a win, but fell short. Quarterback Deshaun Watson said to put the blame on him after Cleveland blew an early 10-0 lead and lost 20-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “If I’m gonna be the quarterback of …

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

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

Why NFL fans are convinced Deshaun Watson has created BURNER account on social media amid criticism

Daily Mail

NFL fans have become convinced that they have found the burner account for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on X as he faces tons of mounting criticism. The account @LeroyBickers4, under the name Leroy Bickerstaff, does not follow a single account and has exclusively posted positive things about Watson. Deshaun Watson may have created a burner account on X as …

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, 1 week 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, 1 week 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, 1 week 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, 1 week 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, 2 weeks ago

Cleveland Browns season predictions: Garrett’s DPOY repeat, Watson expectations

New York Times

My annual Browns prediction column is usually fun, generating a lot of conversation — and some angst, too. The Browns rarely had their full first-team on the field during training camp, but Jeudy’s speed was obvious when he was out there — as was Watson’s interest in getting him the ball. On the call I think new Browns radio play-by-play …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

QB Deshaun Watson makes return from shoulder injury as Browns open season at home against Cowboys

Associated Press

Dallas at Cleveland Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox. The NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year is hoping to build off his most dominant season as a pro — if possible — and get the Browns to their first Super Bowl. … WR Brandin Cooks has been limited by a knee injury in the preseason but figures to play.. …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns release QB Tyler Huntley, leaving them with 3. Deshaun Watson’s contract reworked for 2024

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns threw away one of their quarterbacks. Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, leaving them with three QBs heading into the season after they were forced to start five in 2023 amid a rash of injuries at the position. Huntley threw three touchdown passes last week in Cleveland’s exhibition finale. The Browns will head into …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, release Tyler Huntley

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a team source confirmed, creating about $35 million in 2024 salary-cap space and increasing future cap commitments on the five-year deal he signed in 2022. GO DEEPER NFL QB Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1; Rodgers, Herbert drop out The Browns under general manager Andrew Berry …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns counting on Deshaun Watson’s return from shoulder surgery to build on playoff berth in 2023

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. NEW …

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3 weeks, 2 days ago