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Cleveland Browns insider thinks no Deshaun Watson suspension in 2022

By Jacob Roach

Mar 25, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looks at his new jersey along with general manager Andrew Berry, left and head coach Kevin Stefanski, right during a press conference at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looks at his new jersey along with general manager Andrew Berry, left and head coach Kevin Stefanski, right during a press conference at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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It has been assumed that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would be suspended for off-the-field issues, but could that take place after 2022?

The Cleveland Browns (and the other teams that targeted Deshaun Watson) have long since known that a suspension was likely coming for quarterback Deshaun Watson. It seems as though the NFL wants to let the legal system play out with the 22 pending civil cases.

If those cases are not settled before the season starts, the parties have agreed not to have trials during the season, could the suspension wait until next year if they aren’t settled before then?

Cleveland Browns insider Tony Grossi thinks that is a really strong possibility.

"“Originally, I thought a suspension was unavoidable,” Grossi wrote in answering a fan email. “Now there is a possibility a suspension could be delayed until 2023 until the 22 civil cases against Watson are tried or settled.” — Grossi in a fan email via Fox News"

This would drastically alter the outlook of the Browns’ upcoming 2022 season if they were to have Watson for all 17 games. The Browns showed what they thought a franchise quarterback was worth when they traded six draft picks and signed Watson to a 230 million dollar fully guaranteed contract.

It would make sense that the NFL may navigate this situation cautiously, they want to make sure their investigation is thorough and complete. If they wait for the civil cases to be tried and all of the evidence from both sides to be presented that could help in their investigation.

We may not know for a while the rather a suspension is coming this season or not so I don’t think this is likely an announcement coming anytime soon. On the field, Watson is one of the best in the league, and having him for a full season should make the Browns serious contenders.

Next. 4 Cleveland Browns in second season under pressure after 2022 NFL Draft. dark

It could make sense for the league to hold off on completing their investigation to have all the information they can and it seems more likely each day that this could be the path they take.

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