Deshaun Watson

Position Rankings

Fantasy News Last 90 Days

Deshaun Watson To Start Preseason Opener

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is scheduled to start the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, along with most of the rest of the starters, as long as he isn't suspended indefinitely by then. The NFL has appealed Watson's six-game suspended, which was handed down by Sue L. Robinson, and they are pushing for a season-long suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. The 26-year-old wouldn't be allowed to practice during training camp or play in preseason games if he's given a year-long ban. Watson has been accused of sexual misconduct by 30 massage therapists during appointments in 2019 and 2020, when he was with the Houston Texans. At the very least, Watson will be suspended for six games in 2022, making him more of a low-end QB2 target in fantasy drafts.

Aug 10 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

NFL Pushing For One-Year Suspension For Deshaun Watson

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Tuesday that the league is seeking a tougher penalty for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson because his actions were "egregious" and "predatory behavior." The league formally appealed Watson's six-game suspension last week, which was given by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson earlier this month. The NFL is seeking a suspension of at least a year for Watson. It's unknown when former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey will make a ruling on the appeal. Watson was accused of sexual assault and other inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. There's a chance this ends up playing out in federal court, but Watson will miss at least the first six games of the 2022 season, making him an extremely risky fantasy QB this year.

Aug 9 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Unknown If Deshaun Watson Will Play Friday

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has a plan for quarterback Deshaun Watson and the rest of the team's QBs for the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he hasn't told them yet and won't tell the media. It's unclear if Watson will play. NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson handed down a six-game suspension for Watson, but the NFL has appealed and is seeking a full-season suspension, which could result in the case moving to federal court. It's anyone's guess as to how much he'll play in the preseason, but it doesn't really mean much in the grand scheme of things for fantasy. With at least a six-game ban for Watson in 2022, he's a low-end QB2, at best in upcoming fantasy drafts.

Aug 9 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Latest On NFL's Deshaun Watson Appeal

2:59pm: Peter Harvey, a former New Jersey Attorney General, will hear the league’s Watson appeal. Goodell had the power to hear the appeal himself, but the longtime commissioner has appointed Harvey, who is now a partner at the New York-based Paterson Belknap firm. The NFL’s statement (via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo, on Twitter) indicates Harvey has “deep […]

Aug 4 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

NFL Appealing Deshaun Watson's Six-Game Suspension

The NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson that would be a minimum of one year, according to sources. The NFL's appeal will also include a monetary fine, which is even more significant given the structure of Watson's contract. Disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson gave Watson a six-game suspension on Monday after the investigation into 20-plus accusations of sexual misconduct from Watson. There's now a possibility that the NFL Players Association could file a federal lawsuit, depending on how commissioner Roger Goodell or an appointed designee handles the appeal, which would allow Watson to continue playing until it's heard in federal court.

Aug 3 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Settles Three Of Remaining Four Civil Suits

Before today’s announcement of the suspension Deshaun Watson will be facing (pending any potential NFL appeal), there was another important development in his legal situation. The number of civil suits he faces continues to drop, and now sits at one.  [RELATED: Watson Suspended Six Games] The embattled Browns QB has reached settlement agreements with three of the […]

Aug 1 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Suspended Six Games

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended six games for violating the personal conduct policy. He will miss the first six weeks of the season and make his Browns debut in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens. NFL's disciplinary officer, Judge Sue L. Robinson, officially decided Monday for Watson's six-game suspension. The Browns play the Panthers, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Chargers, and Patriots during the season's first six weeks. Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, David Njoku, and Amari Cooper's fantasy value takes a minor hit with Jacoby Brissett under center in the early part of the season. With Brissett as the team's starting quarterback, expect the Browns to lean heavily on the run before Watson is eligible to return. Fantasy managers can draft Watson as a mid-range QB2 in upcoming drafts, while Brissett becomes an option in Superflex league formats while the former Houston Texan is suspended.

Aug 1 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Ruling To Come On Monday

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson may learn his fate on Monday. The league's disciplinary officer, Judge Sue L. Robinson, is anticipated to reach a decision on the case after giving the NFL and NFL Players Association time to settle. However, with nothing of the sort expected, Robinson will be the deciding factor in this ordeal. Cleveland is expecting an eight-game suspension, with experts predicting that a two to eight-game hiatus is possible. Yet, there's also a chance Watson won't miss any time, which would automatically increase his fantasy stock. Guys like Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, David Njoku, and Amari Cooper would also likely benefit, especially since managers would feel more comfortable with Watson under center instead of Jacoby Brissett, who is expected to start if the former Texan misses games during the 2022-23 campaign.

Jul 31 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Ruling On Deshaun Watson Could Come Early Next Week

A ruling from NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's suspension could come early next week. The Browns have been giving Watson and backup Jacoby Brissett first-team repetitions early in training camp with Watson likely to be handed down a suspension eventually. Whether it's for the entire 2022 season or just a portion of it remains to be seen, but the Browns have been clear that Brissett will be their starter if Watson is suspended. The most likely scenario is an eight-game suspension for Watson, which makes him undraftable in most single-season fantasy formats. If/when Brissett is starting games, expect the Browns to lean heavily on their ground game.

Jul 29 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Donovan Peoples-Jones A Favorite Of Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is in great shape to begin training camp and is earning opportunities. He's also already a favorite of quarterback Deshaun Watson. It's a good start for Peoples-Jones, but the problem is that Watson could be facing a lengthy suspension in his first year in Cleveland. Amari Cooper is the Browns' No. 1 receiver, but there's really nothing stopping DPJ from securing the No. 2 role this year. In his two NFL seasons, the 23-year-old has 48 catches for 901 yards and five touchdowns in 26 games. Given the likelihood that Watson is suspended in 2022, most fantasy managers are choosing to avoid Peoples-Jones in drafts.

Jul 27 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson Donovan Peoples-Jones

Jacoby Brissett To Start If Deshaun Watson Is Suspended

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski clarified the team's quarterback depth chart on Wednesday. "Jacoby Brissett is our backup quarterback. If Deshaun Watson is unavailable, Jacoby's our starter." Brissett will get first-team repetitions in training camp practices just in case Watson is suspended for a good chunk (or all) of the 2022 season. Brissett proved in his time with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 that he's a replacement-level starter in the NFL, and he threw for 1,283 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 games (five starts) for the Miami Dolphins in 2021. Especially in Cleveland's run-first offense, Brissett will be no more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy leagues if Watson is suspended.

Jul 27 · Source via Browns Jacoby Brissett Deshaun Watson

Browns Anticipating Eight-Game Watson Suspension?

The Deshaun Watson saga is still crawling along, but updates on the Browns related to their embattled QB continue to be provided. Included among them is the expectation the team currently has for the length of Watson’s pending suspension.  Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that the Browns “privately are bracing for an eight-game suspension” being handed […]

Jul 20 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Optimistic He'll Play This Year

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's camp remains optimistic that he'll see the field in 2022. The optimism stems, in part, from how his three-day hearing from June 27-30 went in front of disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson. It might be wishful thinking on Watson's side, but the general consensus is that the NFL won't get an indefinite suspension of at least 17 games from Robinson. If she imposes any discipline, either side can appeal, which means the process might not be over. Robinson's process of reviewing post-hearing briefs from both sides could stretch into next week and even spill into the first week of August. If a suspension is eight games or less, some in Watson's camp would be inclined to forgo any appeal. There's a chance we don't have a decision from Robinson by July 27, when Browns veterans report to training camp.

Jul 20 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Could Sue The NFL

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will file a lawsuit against the NFL in federal court if he ends up incurring a full-year suspension that the league is seeking after he was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by over 20 women. Sources in the Watson case think arbitrator Sue Robinson's decision could bump up against or overlap with the first few days of the Browns training camp later this month. Robinson might be taking her time on a final decision in order to give the NFL and Watson another shot at settling. Watson's fantasy stock has fallen with the potential of a lengthy suspension coming, and all of Cleveland's offensive skill players would suffer as well if Jacoby Brissett is leading the offense for most (or all) of the 2022 season.

Jul 18 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Could Be Facing Suspension Of 4-6 Games

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson could be facing a suspension of four to six games, according to reliable sources of Tony Rizzo. Watson's hearing before the league and the Players Association's jointly approved disciplinary officer concluded at the end of June, but we still don't have an official announcement of how many games he'll be forced to miss after a 15-month-long investigation of 24 civil suits for allegations of sexual misconduct. All but four of the 24 suits were settled, but the league was reportedly pushing for a year-long suspension. A final announcement of a suspension probably won't come until at least mid-July, at which point Watson will have the chance to appeal. It's looking likely that the 26-year-old will miss at least the first month of the regular season, if not more.

Jul 12 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Latest On NFL's Case Against Deshaun Watson

The ongoing Deshaun Watson situation recently reached an important milestone, with the hearing during which the NFL and NFLPA presented their arguments for and against suspension taking place. A report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio sheds light on some of the allegations Watson faced, and their absence from the NFL’s case made against the Browns QB.  […]

Jul 10 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Ruling Not Expected Before July 11

Sue L. Robinson, the NFL/Players Association disciplinary officer, has told each side in Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's case to submit a brief due the week of July 11, according to a source. Robinson will make her ruling on Watson after that. Watson's disciplinary hearing concluded on Thursday after three days. He has been accused in civil lawsuits by 25 women of actions ranging from sexual assault to inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. The NFL has been pushing for a suspension of at least a year, but both sides have engaged in multiple attempts to reach a settlement while the hearing was taking place, which was unsuccessful. If you have Watson rostered in a keeper/dynasty league or have already drafted for the 2022 season, hopefully you have an insurance policy in place in case Watson is hit with a year-long suspension.

Jul 1 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Texans Sued On Behalf Of Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans have been sued for allegedly enabling former quarterback Deshaun Watson's behavior during massage-therapy sessions. The lawsuit accuses the team of being aware of Watson's alleged behavior during massage sessions and that "individuals within the Texans organization knew or should have known of Watson's conduct." The lawsuit also states the team provided Watson with resources to conduct his therapy sessions, including "rooms set up for him at the Houstonian Hotel, massage tables provided to him for private massage sessions, and a NDA provided to him from the head of Texans' security." Watson is facing potential discipline from the NFL, and his hearing before disciplinary officer Sue Robinson is set to begin Tuesday. Hopefully, we'll get more clarity soon on a potential 2022 suspension for Watson.

Jun 27 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson's Hearing To Begin Tuesday

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's hearing before the NFL and NFL Players Association's jointly appointed disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, according to league sources. The expectation is that the NFL will be looking for a lengthy suspension, perhaps for the entire 2022 season, despite the fact that Watson and his legal team have settled 20 of his 24 sexual-misconduct cases so far. A decision could come within a week, so we should finally have some clarity on Watson's status after he sat out all of 2021 while with the Houston Texans. Watson will likely appeal any suspension that is handed down, but those that already have him rostered in a keeper/dynasty league should expect some sort of suspension.

Jun 26 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

NFL Pursuing Indefinite Suspension Of Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is looking at an indefinite suspension. The league is pushing for it, and if successful, it would keep the signal-caller off the field for an undetermined amount of time, potentially for the entire 2022-23 campaign. Of course, the NFL Players Association will fight it. However, it likely won't do any good. The situation may also have contract implications, depending on the length of the sentence, meaning Cleveland could still receive his services for five years. Nevertheless, nobody knows when Watson will be back on the field, so it may be a good idea for managers to stay away from him altogether during fantasy drafts heading toward Week 1. A suspension could also mean the Browns may be unwilling to part ways with Baker Mayfield, who recently re-emerged on the Seahawks' radar.

Jun 25 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Could Be Suspended For All Of 2022

There is concern from the NFL Players Association that the league will look to suspend Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for the entire 2022 season, if not indefinitely, according to sources. If that were to happen, the Browns are expected to move forward with Jacoby Brissett as their starting QB rather than try to reconcile with Baker Mayfield. Watson reportedly has settled 20 of his 24 sexual-misconduct cases, but that matters little to the NFL. The situation should be resolved soon, and it seems like things are leaning towards Watson getting hit with a lengthy suspension in 2022 and possibly beyond. We should have a resolution to this saga before most fantasy managers conduct their 2022 drafts.

Jun 24 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Settles 20 Of 24 Cases

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has settled 20 of 24 cases against him with women alleging that he committed sexual misconduct during massages, according to lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represents the women. Terms of the settlements remain confidential, but this is a significant development in Watson's off-the-field legal issues as the NFL nears their decision on his potential discipline for the upcoming 2022 season. While the settlements could be good news for Watson being on the field this year, it doesn't mean the league won't hand him some form of suspension to begin the season after he sat out all of last year with the Houston Texans. A decision should be coming sooner than later, at which point we'll have a much clearer picture of Watson's 2022 fantasy value.

Jun 21 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson's Camp, NFLPA Expecting Lengthy Suspension For Browns QB

Although two more women have filed civil lawsuits against Deshaun Watson since the Browns traded for him, the NFL was on the homestretch of its lengthy investigation prior to those suits emerging. Watson’s camp is expecting a “significant” suspension, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post. While careful not to predict a precise punishment, […]

Jun 17 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

Sides Divided On Handling Of Deshaun Watson Situation

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces countless lawsuits from women who allege he sexually assaulted them. However, while this situation is far from over, there continues to be a divide throughout the league office regarding whether or not commissioner Roger Goodell should allow the signal-caller to suit up before pending litigation is completed. A recent HBO story, along with an article from the New York Times, increases the chance that the 26-year-old won't see the field for some (or all) of the 2022-23 campaign, which obviously doesn't mean good things for his fantasy outlook. At this point, it may be best for fantasy managers to stay as far away from him as possible, at least when considering who to roster for a starting quarterback.

Jun 16 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Texans To Be Included As Defendant In Deshaun Watson Lawsuits

Deshaun Watson may be playing elsewhere, but the Texans are still very much involved in the quarterback’s ongoing legal issues. Attorney Tony Buzbee announced that he is including the Houston Texans organization in the lawsuits against Watson (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com on Twitter). [RELATED: Latest On Browns QB Deshaun Watson] “Based on what […]

Jun 8 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Texans Deshaun Watson

Browns Could Void Deshaun Watson's Guarantees

If Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is eventually suspended by the NFL for the conduct alleged in the 24th lawsuit, the Browns possibly will be able to void his guarantees and move on from him while possibly also recovering a significant portion of his signing bonus. The contract exempts from the standard default/guarantee void language a suspension imposed by the league "solely in connection with matters disclosed to Club in writing pursuant to paragraph 42 and such suspension results in Player's unavailability to Club solely for games during the 2022 or 2023 NFL League Years." It remains to be seen if the Browns will actually try to move on from Watson, but it seems likely at this point that he'll be suspended for at least part of the 2022 season.

Jun 7 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Likely To Face Discipline From NFL

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's agent, Rusty Hardin, thinks there's a "good possibility" that his client will be disciplined by the NFL despite sitting out all of last year while awaiting a final decision on 24 civil lawsuits claiming sexual misconduct. The league is expected to conclude their investigation and make a final decision on Watson either this month or in early July before training camp begins at the end of the month. The 26-year-old has high-end QB1 talent when he's on the field, but a lengthy suspension in 2022 could put that on hold for another year. The Browns have both Jacoby Brissett and Baker Mayfield on the roster as insurance in case Watson is suspended by the NFL.

Jun 5 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

24th Lawsuit Filed Against Deshaun Watson

A 24th civil suit will be filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on Monday by a massage therapist alleging sexual misconduct during past appointments, according to attorney Tony Buzbee. All 24 of the plaintiffs are represented by Buzbee. Watson has now had two new lawsuits filed against him in the last week, with the first 22 filed in March and April of last year. Watson has participated fully in organized team activities and took his offensive teammates on a trip to the Bahamas two weeks ago for team bonding and on-field work. The NFL said on May 24 that they were "nearing the end of the investigative period" of Watson's case, so any potential discipline for the signal-caller is expected to come this month or early in July. We'll have a much better idea on Watson's season-long fantasy value once we get a verdict on a potential suspension.

Jun 4 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Another Lawsuit Filed Against Deshaun Watson Tuesday

Another lawsuit has been filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, bringing the total of active civil lawsuits against him to 23. According to the petition, the plaintiff "changed her mind about filing a lawsuit after watching the HBO Real Sports piece" that aired last Tuesday. The NFL was reportedly getting close to wrapping up their investigation into Watson's legal matters and were expected to make a decision on potential discipline by sometime next month, but another lawsuit could complicate things. Watson sat out all of last year with the Houston Texans and could face another lengthy suspension in 2022, which leaves a dark cloud hovering over his fantasy value with the Browns.

May 31 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

NFL Almost Done Investigating Deshaun Watson

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that the league is "nearing the end of the investigative period" in regards to the 22 allegations of sexual misconduct against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. It remains to be seen when the NFL will decide on Watson's punishment in the form of a suspension for the 2022 season, but we're getting closer to having answers. Watson's lawyer expects the NFL to make a final decision by June or July. The 26-year-old didn't play at all last year with the Houston Texans, but he still has high-end QB1 talent whenever he's on the field for Cleveland. Of course, his fantasy value will hinge heavily on whether he's suspended or not and for how many games.

May 25 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Browns Offense Could Be Changing With Deshaun Watson

With Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson now in town, head coach Kevin Stefanski figures to spread the offense out with more three-receiver sets while implementing run-pass options. When Stefanski first got the head-coaching job in Cleveland, the staples of the offense were play-action passing off a running game powered by zone blocking. Stefanski won't completely abandon heavier sets, but changes will certainly be made now that Watson is the QB. A move to a more pass-heavy approach would obviously be good news for Watson, receivers Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones and rookie David Bell and tight end David Njoku from a fantasy perspective.

May 23 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Browns Rumors: Hunt, Watson

Browns running back Kareem Hunt is heading into a contract year for the 2022 NFL season, after only appearing in eight games last year. Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com spoke on the contract situation, reporting that it seems very up in the air for now. Hunt entered the 2021 season as the back up to […]

May 22 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Kareem Hunt Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Settlements Unlikely To Happen Soon

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces 22 civil lawsuits for alleged sexual misconduct. However, when speaking with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, reported that "no settlement talks are in the offing." The latest update adds another hurdle for the NFL and its investigation, primarily since individual cases likely won't happen immediately, making it much more challenging for the league to determine a potential punishment. It certainly doesn't suggest Watson will be off the hook. Yet, with potential trials delaying things, the veteran may be available for the 2022-23 campaign.

May 21 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

NFL Officials To Meet With Deshaun Watson

There will be an important step in the ongoing NFL investigation into Deshaun Watson in the coming days. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reports (on Twitter) that league officials will meet with him in Texas this week.  The news comes not long after the civil suits the quarterback is still facing were amended to include counts of negligence […]

May 16 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

NFL Wrapping Up Deshaun Watson Investigation?

NFL officials are currently scheduled to meet with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in Texas this week, according to league sources. SI.com's Albert Breer mentioned that the league usually talks to the player last in these investigations, so it could be an indication that the NFL is wrapping up Watson's 20 allegations of sexual assault. A determination on whether he'll be suspended could be coming soon. With a potential suspension looming over Watson, the Browns have elected to keep Baker Mayfield around as insurance. Watson missed all of last season with the Houston Texans, and his high-end QB1 fantasy value could take a huge hit if he's forced to miss more games in 2022.

May 16 · Source via Browns Deshaun Watson

Latest On Lawsuits Against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

Two of the 22 women who have filed suit against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson have amended their claims to include counts of negligence and gross negligence, as Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today reported last month. In addition to creating more grounds for financial recovery, those claims allow the plaintiffs to propound more discovery, and the gross […]

May 15 · Pro Football Rumors Browns Deshaun Watson

Touchdown Distances
Passing: 19, 10, 28, 14, 24, 24, 44, 19, 28, 1, 4, 53, 1, 3, 6, 57, 77, 16, 3, 6, 2, 40, 34, 5, 38, 9, 25, 2, 22, 38, 20, 7
Rushing: 1, 4, 11

Touchdown Distances
Passing: 2, 16, 37, 16, 15, 53, 6, 33, 8, 12, 44, 11, 4, 12, 4, 9, 1, 1, 35, 30, 14, 13, 35, 43, 12, 16, 5, 54, 4
Rushing: 21, 2, 1, 3, 1, 6, 3, 20, 5
Receiving: 6
Fumble Recovery: 16