The Cleveland Browns are ready for an easy reply concerning Deshaun Watson.
Nevertheless, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wouldn’t provide the staff readability on what the league plans to do with Watson.
“There does not need to be a criminal violation to be a violation of the personal conduct policy.”
Roger Goodell speaks on the NFL’s investigation and doable suspension of Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/KuuqUiItLB
— CBS Sports activities HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) March 29, 2022
The murkiness of the scenario places the Browns 2022 NFL season plans in jeopardy.
They traded for Watson to switch present beginning quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Nevertheless, that transfer didn’t set effectively with Mayfield.
He now needs out of Cleveland in a time the place they could want him if Watson will get suspended.
So
-Browns FO flew to Houston to satisfy with Watson
-Mayfield writes his letter.
-Thursday the Browns are “eliminated” as a vacation spot for Watson
-Baker asks for a commerce
-An hour later the Browns deny his commerce request
-At present the Browns are buying and selling for Watson
Lmaooooooooo— New Yr Identical Dangerous Takes (@wrongopinionman) March 18, 2022
Watson Avoids Prison Prices However Faces Civil Circumstances
The Browns knew about all of the felony instances that had been pending with Watson earlier than they made the commerce.
Grand juries would dismiss these fees, taking the strain of a felony case off Watson.
Nevertheless, Watson nonetheless faces a civil lawsuit battle in opposition to the identical those that accused him of felony sexual assault.
Due to this, the NFL continues to be investigating Watson primarily based on these civil lawsuits.
So till both the NFL or the authorized system make a ruling, Watson’s future stays in limbo.
Goodell Gained’t Have The Closing Say In Watson Matter
The choice on what occurs to Watson doesn’t fall on Goodell.
There’s a disciplinary officer that’s in control of the Watson investigation by the NFL.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on investigation into Deshaun Watson: “Our people are working on it. That determination will be made by a joint disciplinary officer. She will make that decision when the facts are all in. There is no timeframe on that.”
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) March 29, 2022
The brand new CBA that was enacted in 2020 took the facility away from Goodell in conditions like this one.
That may be each excellent news and unhealthy information for Watson and the Browns as they continue to be in the dead of night.
The excellent news is that if the investigator guidelines in favor of Watson, the NFL can’t punish Watson.
Nevertheless, the unhealthy information is that in the event that they discover him responsible of violating NFL coverage, solely Goodell can overturn the choice.
There is likely to be strain on Goodell to not overturn an unfavorable choice by the impartial investigator.
Ought to The Browns Hold Mayfield As A Backup Plan?
With Watson dealing with a risk of suspension, most individuals would discover it sensible to maintain Mayfield round.
Nevertheless, we already know that he needs out of Cleveland and most definitely wouldn’t play in the event that they requested him.
Plus, the staff signed former Indianapolis Colts beginning quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Whereas he isn’t a high tier quarterback, he can fill in if the Browns name his quantity.
Retaining Mayfield round solely makes issues worse for the staff.
They need to pay his contract, so buying and selling him away may save them cap house.
A commerce additionally offers them an opportunity to get gamers they want at different positions.
Brissett is the higher choice for having somebody fill in for Watson.
How Lengthy May Watson Be Out For If Suspended?
The first concern of the Browns and their followers is how lengthy Watson will likely be out for if suspended.
an identical scenario with Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers may give us a solution.
Huge Ben received a six-game suspension in 2010 over a sexual assault case that was dismissed.
He would attraction the suspension and solely serve a four-game suspension.
If the previous is any signal of the longer term, I’d say search for Watson to overlook 4 to 6 video games in 2022.