• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Browns’ Return on Watson Investment Very Much Up in the Air

  • The Cleveland Browns spent six draft picks and $230 million on DeShaun Watson.
  • He is facing 24 civil lawsuits plus criminal charges.
DeShaun-Watson
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns invested $230 million in Deshaun Watson. How much they’ll get in return is very much an open question.

The team said it had looked into allegations of sexual misconduct against the quarterback, including 22 civil suits, prior to trading six draft picks including three first-rounders for Watson, in addition to giving him a five-year, fully guaranteed contract.

That claim is being called into question after reporting from the New York Times uncovered new details.

  • Watson met with at least 66 women for massages in a 17-month period. Twenty-four have sued him for sexual harassment or assault.
  • Two other women have filed criminal charges. Watson’s attorneys have denied the allegations and collected statements of support for Watson from 15 massage therapists.
  • The Houston Texans, Watson’s team at the time, helped arrange the massages and provided him with a non-disclosure agreement after a woman threatened to expose his conduct on social media.
  • The Texans have been added as a defendant by lawyers representing the 24 plaintiffs.

For Whom Goodell Tolls

In addition to the lawsuits and criminal charges, the NFL is conducting its own inquiry into Watson’s conduct, which could result in a suspension. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on May 24 that the investigation was nearing an end. It’s unclear if the recent reporting affects that timeline.

The Browns are reportedly unlikely to attempt to void the contract unless Watson is convicted of criminal charges.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 7, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Calais Campbell (middle) receives the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award from executive director Lloyd Howell (left) and president) JC Tretter (right) at the NFLPA Press Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to Super Bowl LVIII.

What Comes Next After NFLPA Chief’s Sudden Resignation?

Howell quit on his own accord; he was not forced out.

New NFLPA Head Will Face Multibillion-Dollar Decisions

The next NFLPA leader will wrestle with a series of pressing issues.
Lloyd Howell

Scandal-Ridden NFLPA Chief Lloyd Howell Quits

The union executive director stepped down late Thursday night.

Netflix Beats Projections Again—and Plots Big Holiday Sports Slate

The streaming giant again beats analyst projections in every respect.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bradley Beal
exclusive
July 17, 2025

‘Brad Doesn’t Like Change’: Beal Agent Says He Wants Long-Term Clippers Deal

Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns on Wednesday.
July 17, 2025

T.J. Watt Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Non-QB

Watt’s new Steelers contract comes with $108 million fully guaranteed.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Oct 13, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya poses for a photo with the time clock after finishing first in the women’s race, setting a new world record at 2:09:56 during the Chicago Marathon at Grant Park.
July 17, 2025

Kenyan Whose Record Shocked Running World Suspended for Drugs

Her drug test showed levels 190 times above the allowed amount.
Collins
July 17, 2025

NFL Second-Round Impasse May End As Niners Give Pick $9M Guaranteed

The contract isn’t fully guaranteed like the earlier second-rounder deals.
Caitlin Clark
July 17, 2025

Caitlin Clark Out for WNBA All-Star Game, 3-Point Contest With Injury

Clark and Satou Sabally will miss the game with injuries.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center.
July 16, 2025

Bradley Beal Agrees to Suns Buyout, Will Join Clippers

Beal is the latest star player to leave Phoenix behind Kevin Durant.