In a surprising move, the Cleveland Browns have quietly removed a clause from quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract that would have offered him protection in the event of a future suspension. This revelation, reported by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, indicates that if Watson faces another suspension, the Browns could potentially reclaim a portion of his guaranteed money.
This development comes at a time when Watson is once again embroiled in legal troubles. On Monday, a woman in Harris County, Texas, filed a lawsuit against Watson, accusing him of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The incident allegedly occurred during a date at the woman’s apartment in October 2020. This lawsuit comes more than two years after Watson settled claims with over two dozen women who had accused him of sexual misconduct, with twenty-four lawsuits filed alleging assault or harassment between 2020 and 2021.
Watson’s off-field issues have cast a long shadow over his tenure with the Browns, who made headlines in 2022 when they acquired him from the Houston Texans. The trade, which saw Cleveland give up three first-round picks, was immediately followed by an unprecedented contract agreement. Watson was signed to a fully guaranteed five-year deal worth $230 million, a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL due to its scope and guarantee structure.
The decision to remove the suspension-protection clause may indicate the Browns’ desire to mitigate potential financial risk tied to Watson’s ongoing legal issues. As the legal proceedings unfold, this adjustment to his contract will likely be closely monitored by both fans and analysts, reflecting the team’s efforts to navigate the complexities surrounding their star quarterback’s off-field controversies.