Deshaun Watson contract hints at potential NFL discipline?
Deshaun Watson appears to believe that NFL discipline is possible in 2022, at least based on the terms of his new Cleveland Browns contract.
According to multiple reports, Watson’s contract with the Browns includes a $45 million signing bonus with a $1 million base salary for 2022. That ensures that Watson would only lose $55,555 per game as a result of any suspension.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network added that Watson’s agents had been asking other teams for a similar structure.
One of the things his agent proposed to other teams involved as well… https://t.co/jhTzFFcacS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2022
Watson has been accused of sexual assault by 22 women. He has been criminally cleared, but still faces civil suits.
The NFL can still suspend Watson even if he is not found criminally liable. The league has done this in the past in other instances, and the contractual language indicates that Watson’s representatives think it is at least possible here.
Photo: Jan 27, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports