The NFL has closed its investigation into the sexual assault allegations made against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second consecutive year.
The league had been looking into the case for months to decide if Watson should face any punishment.
“The matter is closed,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”
Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault by a woman in Texas in September. She sought over $1 million in damages before both parties reached a confidential settlement.
Watson denied the allegations through his lawyer, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in October, which ended his season. He has been working on recovering from the injury in hopes of returning next season.
The Browns still owe Watson $46 million for each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, which has not gone as planned.
Watson has only played in 19 games over the last three seasons due to the suspension and injuries. He was acquired by the Browns, who were willing to accept his character despite the sexual assault and inappropriate conduct accusations against him during his time with the Texans while he was getting massage therapy.
While Watson is no longer facing punishment from the league, his future with the Browns is uncertain.
His large contract and its impact on the salary cap have put the Browns in a difficult position when it comes to improving their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs last year and may consider moving on from Watson, but the cost of releasing him would be very high.
The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson’s backup. Winston has a 2-3 record as a starter since stepping in and has energized Cleveland’s offense, which struggled to score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. Winston’s 2023 season was cut short by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery.
Winston has said he would like to return and could be a possible starting option even if the Browns draft a young quarterback.
