Deshaun Watson, Browns finally get some clarity

After months of questions and confusion, the NFL/NFLPA have reached a settlement agreement on discipline for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The Browns finally have clarity after a crazy offseason on when they’ll have their franchise quarterback on the football field. Watson will be suspended for 11-games, pay a $5 million fine, and be required to promptly undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program.

Ironically Watson will play his first game as a Brown during the team’s Week 13 matchup against his former team, the Texans in Houston.

Then, in Week 15, Watson will make his debut in First Energy Stadium against the divisional rival Baltimore Ravens.

To recap a hectic offseason, on March 18th, Watson was traded from the Texans to the Browns in one of the most historic trades in NFL history. Cleveland traded first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024; a third-round pick in 2022; a fourth-round pick in 2024 for Watson, and a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Then on August 1st, Sue L. Robinson suggested a 6-game suspension for Watson. The NFL decided to appeal that decision after the NFLPA called for the NFL not to do so. Now on August 18th, Watson agrees to an 11-game suspension.

Meanwhile, for the first 11-games of the season, the Browns will roll with 6-year veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Jimmy Garoppolo coming to the Browns will not happen at this point, as the Browns feel comfortable with Brissett being able to win many games during the first 11 games of the season.

He will miss games against the Panthers, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Chargers, Patriots, Ravens, Bengals, Dolphins, Bills, and Buccanears.

Watson will finish out the season from there and look to bring the team to the playoffs.