Deshaun Watson Facing Another Criminal Probe After Signing Record Contract With Browns

Topline

Deshaun Watson is facing another grand jury probe for alleged sexual misconduct at a Texas massage parlor, according to multiple reports, casting doubt on his NFL future just days after the quarterback was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in one of the most high-profile deals in league history.

Key Facts

A grand jury in Brazoria County, near Houston, is weighing whether to bring criminal charges and should reach a decision either today or tomorrow, according to the New York Times, citing Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the complainant.

A Harris County grand jury cleared Watson on March 11 in nine other criminal cases of alleged sexual misconduct at massage parlors, paving the way for his trade from the Houston Texans to the Browns.

The Browns claimed on Sunday the organization undertook “extensive” legal research before trading a huge number of draft picks for Watson and signing him to a five-year contract worth $230 million—the largest fully guaranteed deal in NFL history.

A police report from Brazoria County states that Watson was at a massage appointment when he touched the masseuse “with his penis and ejaculated causing semen to touch her arm and hand,” according to the Times.

Buzbee did not respond to a request for comment from Forbes, nor did Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin.

What To Watch For

Watson is still the defendant in 22 civil cases for alleged sexual misconduct and is expected to face a multi-game suspension from the NFL even if he isn’t criminally charged

Big Number

$1 million. That’s about how much the Browns will pay Watson in base salary for the 2022 season, but his salary jumps to $46 million a year for the remaining four seasons on his contract. If he’s suspended for any length of time this upcoming season, his lost income will come out of the $1 million salary. Watson’s contract also grants him a bonus of nearly $9 million per year.

Key Background

Watson, 26, was considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league during his first few seasons, but he requested a trade from the Texans following the 2020 season and ended up sitting out all of 2021 after the allegations against him surfaced. The Harris County grand jury’s move earlier this month not to bring charges set off a trade frenzy in the NFL, with several teams making immense offers to the Texans for Watson, apparently believing he was in the clear in terms of potential criminal charges. Watson’s decision to waive a no-trade clause in his Texans contract to sign with the Browns on Friday stunned NFL observers, since Watson had earlier ruled out going to the Browns. Either the New Orleans Saints or Atlanta Falcons were expected to be Watson’s landing spot. The Texans received a rich haul of draft picks from Cleveland, including three first-round selections.

Further Reading

A Texas Grand Jury Is Considering Another Charge Against Watson (New York Times)

Cleveland Browns Reportedly Trading For Deshaun Watson–To Sign Record $230 Million Contract (Forbes)