For the 24th time, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson found himself in legal hot water, facing fresh allegations of sexual misconduct in a civil suit brought by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee. Representing an anonymous “Jane Doe,” Buzbee sought at least $1 million in damages, asserting Watson had committed sexual assault. While the lawsuit has since reached a confidential settlement, it’s yet another controversial chapter for Watson, casting a heavy shadow over both his career and the Browns organization.
Despite settling this claim, Watson still faces one remaining civil lawsuit. And with questions swirling around his massive contract with the Browns, FOX’s Jay Glazer recently highlighted a potential twist: Cleveland quietly restructured Watson’s deal this August, potentially leaving the door open for the team to reclaim some of Watson’s guaranteed money if he faces suspension. “Very quietly, this offseason…they did not put the same protections in for the next several years,” Glazer reported, suggesting a change that could impact millions of dollars if further suspensions are imposed.
The Browns’ initial fully guaranteed contract with Watson did not account for suspensions in 2022 or 2023. However, this new clause may allow the team to recoup some of their investment should Watson face additional off-field issues, marking a critical shift in Cleveland’s financial approach with their embattled quarterback.
Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney, addressed the media as the latest lawsuit surfaced, reiterating Watson’s strong denial. “Deshaun strongly denies the allegations,” Hardin stated, assuring that Watson intends to “focus his energy and concentration on football” as this claim is handled behind closed doors.
Watson, though cleared of criminal charges by two Texas grand juries, remains under intense scrutiny, especially as the NFL’s ability to enforce its personal conduct policy remains limited without full victim cooperation due to settlement agreements. Watson acknowledged the weight of his circumstances, saying, “My whole life I just have to be able to move forward and that’s the plan.”
As the Browns prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles on October 13, Watson’s legal entanglements loom large, raising questions about the quarterback’s future both on and off the field and leaving fans and critics alike wondering: Will Cleveland’s high-stakes gamble on Watson ever pay off?