The NFL has concluded its investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is finishing his second consecutive season on injured reserve.
The league, which had been reviewing the case for months, determined there was not enough evidence to warrant disciplinary action.
“The matter is closed,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated in an email Friday to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”
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The allegations stemmed from a claim by a woman in Texas, who accused Watson of assault in September and sought over $1 million in damages before reaching a confidential settlement. Watson has consistently denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin.
Watson, 29, has been sidelined since October with a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He previously served an 11-game suspension in 2022 related to separate accusations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions while playing for the Texans.
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Despite being in the clear with the NFL, questions linger about Watson’s future with the Browns. The team still owes him $46 million annually for the next two seasons as part of a fully guaranteed $230 million contract — a deal that required three first-round picks in the trade with Houston but has largely backfired.
Since joining Cleveland, Watson has appeared in just 19 games over three seasons due to suspension and injuries. The Browns, coming off a disappointing season, are facing salary-cap challenges that could limit their ability to bolster the roster. Moving on from Watson would be financially crippling if the team chooses to release him.
Meanwhile, backup quarterback Jameis Winston, signed on a one-year deal, has shown flashes of promise. Winston went 2-3 as a starter after Watson’s injury and injected life into an offense that struggled to produce under Watson, failing to surpass 20 points or 300 yards in a game. However, Winston’s season also ended prematurely after he sustained a shoulder injury requiring surgery.
Winston has expressed interest in returning and could be a short-term solution if the Browns draft a young quarterback.
