Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended for the first six games of the 2022-23 NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, according to multiple reports.
Watson, who has faced lawsuits and accusations of sexual assault from over 25 women, will not be fined or appeal the suspension.
While Watson and the NFLPA won't appeal, the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell could still appeal the decision. In that case, it's possible the suspension is increased.
Multiple women have accused Watson of misconduct during professional massages ranging from March 2020 to March 2021. At the time, Watson was the quarterback of the Houston Texans.
Watson has settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits; one lawsuit was dropped in April of 2021. The Texans reached settlements with 30 women over claims and potential claims.
The Texans traded Watson to the Browns in March for three first-round picks. Cleveland then signed Watson to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history at 5 years and $230 million.
With Watson out for the first six games, Cleveland will likely turn Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Josh Dobbs and Josh Rosen are the other quarterbacks currently on the depth chart. Jimmy Garoppolo is also an option in the trade market.
Cleveland Browns Schedule Through Week 6
The Browns open their season on the road against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, when they might face former starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. After that, Cleveland returns home to face the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Week 4 sees the Browns go on the road again to Atlanta to meet the Falcons before two more home games in Weeks 5 and 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots.
Cleveland Browns Betting Odds
Super Bowl odds moved across the market following the news.
DraftKings adjusted Cleveland from +3000 to +2800. FanDuel moved from +2800 to +2200. BetMGM was the biggest mover from +3000 to +2000.
The Browns are 1-point favorites in Week 1 against the Panthers. Real-time NFL odds can be found here.
