Deshaun Watson: Could a loophole save the Browns a fortune in 2022?

A recent lawsuit vs. Deshaun Watson could give the Cleveland Browns an out from the massive contract extension just given to him.

News broke on Monday that the NFL’s investigation into Cleveland Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson, had been finalized. It sounds like four days of grueling questions and testimony from all involved took place and the NFL may be in a position to make a decision soon on Watson’s availability in 2022.

What remains a question is, how can the NFL punish him before ever going to trial? I get that the NFL and court of law are totally different, but a punishment before a verdict on cases that have already been pushed to after the 2022 season still sounds questionable.

The breaking news later that day was the 24th lawsuit that was filed. Truthfully, the details are similar to others (I’ll let your read for yourself vs. sharing), but the one big story could be the loophole that voids the fully guaranteed contract for Watson.

In a Mike Florio article Tuesday morning, he shares that the contract could be interpreted by the organization that any future charges (outside of the 22 pending civil suits), could void the contract. Not only would the Browns get out of the fully guaranteed deal, but they would get a huge chunk of the signing bonus back.

Now there are two big questions. Would the Browns attorneys win that this is a voidable cause?  And would the Browns even want to push that?

I don’t think anyone truly knows, but the thinking has certainly moved to Watson possibly being suspended for a full year vs. the initial belief of four to eight games.

Do the Browns have buyer’s remorse — especially after the latest news involving him having 66 massage therapists over the course of 17 months?

If so, they could likely get out of the contract, but I think we all know that the Baker Mayfield era has ended. I don’t see any scenario where he can walk back into that locker room and truly win everyone back.

If the Browns challenged it and lost, they would have an even bigger catastrophe on their hands. Not only is Mayfield checked out, but they would also have upset their new starting quarterback who has an ever less tradable contract.

I don’t see a scenario where the Browns challenge this clause, but it’s looking more and more like Watson could miss some serious time.