Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson could face lengthy suspension

It will be an important week for former Texans starting QB Deshaun Watson

When the Houston Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns for many draft picks over a three-draft span, it seemed the Texans won the deal overall if they eventually make the right choices at the position.

The Browns seemed very happy adding Watson with all that surrounds him off-the-field as they signed Watson to a guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million.

Still, with that trade and ensuing contract comes the legal issues that followed Watson due to some previous lawsuits that have since been settled (20 of the 24 lawsuits haver been settled), and some that are still in the courts.

ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter recently wrote about the Watson legal issues and NFL disciplinary hearing, as the following appeared on ESPN.com: 

"“Sue L. Robinson, is scheduled to begin Tuesday, league sources told ESPN on Saturday.“Robinson will listen as the NFL expects to push for a “lengthy” suspension for Watson while the NFLPA defends the Cleveland Browns quarterback, who has been accused of harassing, assaulting or touching 26 women during massage appointments when he was with the Houston Texans.”"

This is interesting to say the least as the decision of a possible suspension for Watson following the disciplinary hearing will have an effect on the Browns’ 2022 season, and maybe future seasons depending on the length of any suspension that is potentially given.

One question that could come to the forefront is if a potential suspension of Watson happens, and  is over a full season, would that be a concern the Texans and the draft choices the received in compensation from Cleveland during the trade between the two teams? It probably won’t mean anything, but it is something to think about.

In Schefter’s ESPN.com report he wrote it could be a week to make a final decision following the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing, or it could take all the way to the start of training camp in late July.

Pro Football Talk wrote about Watson’s contract in a tweet, having the following information:

Texans: Best move this offseason was making the trade this offseason

When the Houston Texans traded former franchise quarterback Watson it was best for Deshaun Watson as he no longer wanted to be with the franchise as he didn’t play a single snap in 2021, and it was best for Houston because they are rebuilding from past failures.

Watson’s last season with the Texans saw him have success as he was the passing leader in ’20, but the Texans as a team finished with one of their worst records in franchise history at 4-12.

After the ’20 season, the ensuing offseason was the beginning of the end for Watson and the Texans to ever have a positive relationship.

There were the decisions when it came to the head coach that was hired (and since fired after one season), front office decision making and hires, the lawsuits that came from off-the-field issues, or it being said Watson wanted traded from the only franchise he’d ever played for.

Remember last training camp when Deshaun Watson stood in on some offensive drills as a member of the defense? That seemed to be the point everyone knew there was zero chance any of us would ever see Watson in a Houston uniform ever again.

Now if issues of the past come back to have an affect on the Texans is unknown, trading Watson was still the best best move for the Texans as they are moving along with the roster rebuild in ’22. The Browns are still battling to keep their new quarterback on the field for ’22, or at least get him back as soon as possible, so they have their own issues now.

Anyway you look at it, this is a tough situation for every single person involved, and once things are 100-percent finished the final result will be very interesting to see how it commences.