Deshaun Watson settlement could be possible Thursday

The NFL and Deshaun Watson are reportedly still considering a settlement in his disciplinary case and one insider thinks that could happen Thursday

A dark cloud continues to loom over the Cleveland Browns season as they await word on how long Deshaun Watson is going to be suspended. Originally, it was a six-game ban issued by independent arbitrator Judge Sue L. Robinson, but the NFL has since appealed that ruling.

Commissioner Roger Goodell elected to have former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey preside over the appeal but after a couple of weeks, there has been no decision from Harvey.

The appeal was supposed to be “processed on an expedited basis” but the reason for the holdup might actually be good for Watson. Sources are saying that a settlement between the two sides could happen and Dan Graziano of ESPN suggests this could be happening on Thursday.

Will a settlement actually happen with the NFL and Deshaun Watson?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk weighed in on the topic as well, saying the league doesn’t want to go to court with Watson (the NFLPA has threatened to sue if he is suspended beyond the six games) and would prefer to put the matter behind them.

However, he also admits that nothing is clear and it could all blow up in the end.

"“As one source with knowledge of the dynamics explains it to PFT, it has been the case for a while that a settlement could come at any time — or it could blow up and not happen.”"

This is a similar sentiment that was being shared around the league before Judge Robinson shared her verdict. Both the NFL and Watson’s side were saying they were open to a settlement, but neither seemed to budge a whole lot on their demands.

For the NFL, they reportedly moved down to 12 games but Watson’s side stood firm around 6-8. In the end, it would probably be best for Watson to take what the league offers — even if it’s 12 games — since it would put the matter to bed and be the only way he guarantees 2022 is not a lost year.

As strongly as they feel about their case, the success rate against the league in court has not been great, which is why a settlement seems to favor the player.