CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns are among the teams to express interest in Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson according to multiple reports.
Friday afternoon a Texas grand jury declined to indict Watson following a police investigation into the quarterback amid claims from up to 22 women of sexual assault and harassment. Eight of the women filed a criminal complaint against Watson.
The FBI was also reviewing allegations that included Watson exposing himself, touching and kissing the therapists against their will during massage therapy appointments. One accuser alleged that Watson forced her to perform oral sex on him.
The decision from the grand jury clears the way for the Texans to trade Watson, who still could face discipline from the league office for violating the NFL’s conduct policy.
Watson, who sat out the entirety of the 2021 season following a trade request amid the investigation by law enforcement, is being sued by the women in civil court.
Massage therapy sessions are commonplace for professional athletes to receive treatment for muscle strains, pulls or general care, but they generally stick to one or two providers.
Sources have indicated to 92.3 The Fan in recent weeks that Browns executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry likes Watson’s abilities on the field, and he has been monitoring Watson’s legal situation.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Friday evening that Berry and the Browns have been doing their homework on Watson.
It is unclear if Berry will make the Texans a formal offer for Watson.
Multiple quarterback-needy teams are expected to bid for Watson in the coming days.
Berry was in the room in 2017 when then Browns executive vice president and general manager Sashi Brown, now team president of the Baltimore Ravens, traded the No. 12 pick in the NFL Draft to Houston, allowing the Texans to select Watson.
Berry has been steadfast this offseason in backing quarterback Baker Mayfield and stating that his expectation is Mayfield will be their starting quarterback this fall.
Cleveland selected Mayfield No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mayfield, who had difficulty playing through a torn left labrum last season, is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. He is not expected to be offered an extension this offseason. Cleveland has at least two more years of control of Mayfield following the 2022 season by using the franchise tag should they opt to go that route.
Over four seasons with the Browns, Mayfield has completed 61.6% of his passes for 12,125 yards with 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions while adding 571 yards and five touchdowns rushing while being sacked 134 times.
In 2020 Mayfield helped the Browns to an 11-5 finish, ending an 18-year playoff drought. He is 29-30 in the regular season as a starter.
From 2017-2020 Watson, who is 28-25 as a starter and a three-time Pro Bowler, completed 67.8% of his passes for 14,539 yards with 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He’s rushed for an additional 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns while being sacked 174 times.
