NFL’s timeline on Deshaun Watson decision known

One of the biggest questions heading into the 2022 NFL season is whether or not the NFL will punish Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and, if so, how long any suspension might be.

We still don’t know how long the league might suspend Watson over violations of the conduct policy, but we apparently know when we’ll find out what they’ve decided.

The NFL is expected to make its decision on a potential suspension for Watson before the start of the 2022 season, according to The MMQB’s Albert Breer.

Breer said on Monday that the NFL has spoken with at least half of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits against the quarterback over alleged sexual harassment and assault during massage therapy sessions.

Watson was questioned by two NFL investigators, Lisa Friel and Jennifer Gaffney, last week. They are then expected to report their findings to former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson, who will make the decision on whether or not Watson will be disciplined. The options available include suspension, fines, or a combination of both.

Watson was traded by the Houston Texans to the Browns during the offseason. When introduced by his new team, Watson, who missed all of last season as part of the legal situation, denied any wrongdoing. As part of his contract with the Browns, Watson’s 2022-2023 salary was minimized, presumably in part to cut down on the potential losses due to fines that he’s expecting as part of league punishment. Watson is not facing any criminal charges but a civil suit against him is still in the process of happening.

[SI/Albert Breer]