Then there’s the possibility that Watson settles the case quickly, securing an agreement from the accuser that she won’t talk to anyone without a subpoena. Since the league can’t force non-employees to cooperate with these investigations, a settlement with a broad confidentiality agreement would short-circuit the process.

Florio also mentions that if Watson is suspended, it could give the Browns an “avenue” to void what’s left on his fully guaranteed contract — $92 million due in 2025 and 2026.

Deshaun Watson's on-field performance has not matched expectations in 2024, but the more pressing storyline surrounding the Browns passer is