HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 22: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans reacts following a touchdown in the first quarter during their game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Deshaun Watson will serve an 11-game suspension and the Cleveland Browns will need to decide who its new starting quarterback will be.
In addition to the suspension, Watson agreed to pay a fine of $5 million, which is the largest player fine in NFL history.
In between late 2019 and early 2021, the quarterback allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct, victimizing more than two dozen massage therapists.
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While two grand juries did not charge him, the NFL decided to take action.
Originally, the suspension was six games but the NFL and the player’s associations reached an agreement on an 11-game suspension.
“I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused,” Watson said.
“I take accountability for the decisions I made. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I’m away from the team.”
Now with the suspension locked in, the Browns will be without their starting quarterback for most of the season.
Despite the controversy, the Browns invested a lot in Watson.
First, it traded three first-round picks, along with a third and fourth-rounder to acquire him.
Then the Browns awarded him a five-year fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Now the team might be left with just Jacoby Brissett, who was set to be Watson’s backup.
Over his six-year NFL career, Brissett has thrown for more than 7,700 yards while completing around 60% of his passes.
If not Brissett, then the Browns could look elsewhere in the trade market – particularly at Jimmy Garoppolo – who has been in the rumor mill since last season ended.
In fact, the San Francisco 49ers confirmed it will move on from him and seek a trade.
However, he could get cut if there are no takers for Garoppolo, who is coming off shoulder surgery and is set to make around $25 million next year.
So potentially, the Browns might be able to get him in free agency if the organization wants him.
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