The final two civil lawsuits accusing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault have been officially dismissed, according to the Associated Press. These dismissals conclude the legal challenges Watson had faced since 2021 related to nearly 30 allegations of sexual misconduct during massage appointments.
At the time of the accusations, Watson was the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was accused by 27 women of inappropriate behavior, including exposing himself, unwanted touching, and forced kissing. The Associated Press reports that no further lawsuits remain pending against Watson regarding these allegations.
Background of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Deshaun Watson has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. In Texas, two separate grand juries declined to indict him. In July 2022, 30 women who accused the Texans organization of neglecting these claims reached a settlement to end their legal action against the team. Most individual lawsuits against Watson were also settled during 2022, prior to the recent case dismissals.
Impact of Watson’s Trade to the Cleveland Browns and NFL Discipline
When Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022, the Browns gave up their first-round draft picks for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023, and 2024. The team signed Watson to a five-year contract worth $230 million fully guaranteed, the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history at the time of signing. Despite this, Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season due to violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Following a fine of $5 million and an evaluation process, the league reinstated him.
Questions About Watson’s Future Role with the Browns in 2026
The Browns’ investment in Watson has so far been shaky. At 30 years old, he has participated in only 19 games over four seasons, a result of injuries and suspensions, compiling a 9-10 record in those contests. The upcoming 2026 season is expected to be a turning point. Cleveland has hired Todd Monken as head coach, and Shedeur Sanders ended the 2025 season as the starting quarterback. Given Watson’s inconsistent availability and performance, he will likely face significant competition to secure the starting quarterback position for that season.
Deshaun Watson’s Career Highlights Before Off-Field Issues
Selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Deshaun Watson quickly rose to prominence as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. He earned Pro Bowl selections in three consecutive years, from 2018 through 2020, led the NFL in passing yards during that period, and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team in 2017.
Evaluating the Browns’ Strategic Decisions Surrounding Watson
The Browns’ trade and lucrative contract for Watson were based on his potential to lead the team to success, but this strategy has faced multiple setbacks. Watson’s limited participation combined with the emergence of alternative quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders highlight ongoing challenges for Cleveland. Watson’s ability to perform consistently and maintain his position will play a critical role in the Browns’ outlook as they approach the 2026 season under new leadership.
