NFL Decision On Deshaun Watson To Have Widespread Ramifications
The Cleveland Browns made a splash in the offseason when they traded with the Houston Texans for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson, giving him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
To say the trade was controversial is an understatement. It’s the understatement to end all understatements, not least because it raises serious questions about the moral compass of the Cleveland Browns organization as a whole.
Forking over nearly a quarter of a billion dollars to a player that sat out the entire 2021 season under a litigious cloud born of sexual assault allegations sent seismic shockwaves through the NFL. And these ripples are still being felt today.
The Browns’ owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, went public with their confidence in the scandal-scarred quarterback, though (at the time) there were nearly two dozen civil lawsuits regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment levied against Watson.
The sheer breadth and gravity of these allegations meant that the NFL was obligated to start its own investigation into whether Watson had violated the league’s personal conduct rules. And, last month, the league believed its investigation was nearing a conclusion.
“I think we’re nearing the end of the investigative period,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on May 24. “Then it will be handled by our disciplinary officer.”
That announcement that led many to believe that a decision on a potential suspension (or not) was imminent. Maybe it was. But that was before two new allegations were filed in the last 10 days. Will there be more? Who knows?
Why the NFL Must Decide Soon
Fair play is at the crux of any sport. And in the spirit of fair play, the league cannot in good conscience hold back its decision for too long because it would put the Browns on the back foot.
They need to know who their quarterback is going to be, after all. Without that key bit of knowledge, how can they possibly prepare for the upcoming season? Never mind the fact that they’d be at an extreme disadvantage in comparison to their rivals, who are already in the midst of their season’s preparations.
The NFL is is keen to close the matter for all concerned so that every single team is moving forward on an equal footing. But it must be thorough, too. Tuesday’s explosive New York Times report did the league no favors, dropping a spanner in the works
Will Watson Be Suspended or Not?
When Watson will learn his fate is uncertain. Wil he be suspended or not? How long will his suspension be if he is suspended? All this hangs agonizingly over Watson and the Browns as they anxiously await the league’s decision.
Then again, the way Cleveland has structured Watson’s contract to his benefit, it is likely to cushion the impact of any suspension or penalties. The quarterback’s salary for 2022 is a tick over $1 million.
BetUS sportsbook has rolled out a couple of special NFL props for Deshaun Watson. So, if you’re interested, you can weigh in on the matter too.
BetUS Deshaun Watson Prop Bets
- 7 or less games +200
- 8 or more games -300
Impact of NFL Decision
Could Browns Turn Back to Mayfield?
The Browns handed Watson one of the richest contracts in NFL history. Knowing whether he will be suspended in the upcoming 2022 NFL season and the duration of said suspension is going to be key. It will determine how the team proceeds and what plans and strategies they might adopt, among many other big decisions.
Of course, no suspension would be the best-case scenario for Cleveland, clearing Watson to start in Week 1. The Browns could still survive a suspension that keeps Watson out of the game or a bunch of games.
An extended suspension that keeps Watson sidelined for a good chunk of 2022 (or the entire year) would be the worst-case scenario. It would likely spell doom for the Browns unless they can somehow bury the hatchet with Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield’s Future Uncertain
Mayfield made his wish to get out of Cleveland public the moment it was clear that the Browns’ front office had eyes only for Watson. To this point, his wish hasn’t been granted
According to Sports Illustrated, the Browns have refused to accommodate his trade request. One of the possible reasons is the uncertain timeline for Watson.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport told Pat McAfee in a recent interview on the Pat McAfee Show that it would make sense for Mayfield and the Browns to bury their grievances if Watson receives a lengthy suspension.
Rapoport highlighted the value for Mayfield. That it would give the fifth-year quarterback a chance to ply his wares on the field again and attract a prospective buyer down the road.
There has been some speculation that Mayfield could go to the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks or Houston Texans. There is no word on any such moves being made at this point in time.
BetUS NFL Comeback Player Of The Year Odds
- Derrick Henry +325
- Jameis Winston +650
- Deshaun Watson +800
- Daniel Jones +800
- Michael Thomas +850
- Mitchell Trubisky +1000
- Marcus Mariota +1000
- Christian McCaffrey +1200
- Baker Mayfield +1400
- Chase Young +1400
Interestingly, despite the uncertainty surrounding both quarterbacks, Watson and Mayfield feature prominently in several key NFL betting markets, including the Comeback Player of the Year.
Even more interesting is the fact that Watson is among the top favorites to win the prestigious honor. An honor that is voted on by his peers.
He’s not the top bet, mind you, but close enough. Tennessee Titans star running back Derrick Henry is the top bet at +325 while New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston is the second-best bet at +650.
Watson comes in as the third selection with NFL odds of +800. He’s tied with New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones at +800. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas rounds out the top five best bets at +850. Mayfield is is tipped as the +1400 bet. This puts him inside the top 10 best bets.
