CLEVELAND — The NFL 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 league has been reviewing the case for months, trying to determine whether Watson should be punished.
“The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to the Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”
Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement.
Watson strongly denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in October. He’s been rehabbing the injury in hopes of returning next season.
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 five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired.
Watson has only played in 19 games over three seasons because of the suspension and injuries. The Browns were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Texans.
While he’s in the clear with the league, Watson’s future with Cleveland isn’t so certain.
His massive contract — and its salary-cap ramifications — has put the Browns in a bind in terms of trying to improve their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team just releases him.
The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson’s backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over, and he’s put some life into Cleveland’s offense, which didn’t score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. Watson’s 2023 season was ended by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery.
Winston has indicated he would come back, and he could be a viable option as a starter even if the Browns draft a young QB.
