Derrick Deshaun Watson is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He played college football at Clemson, where he led the team to a national championship win in 2016. Watson was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Texans.
Deshaun Watson: Trade| Cleveland| Browns| Grand jury
Trade:
Watson appeared at a deposition for the civil lawsuits and declined to answer questions pertaining to the case, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights against self incrimination, per The New York Times.
Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, previously had said Watson would not answer questions during depositions until the criminal case was closed.
Cleveland:
The allegations against Watson include that he exposed himself to the women, touched them with his genitals or kissed them against their will during massage sessions.
“We are delighted that the grand jury has looked at the matter thoroughly and reached the same conclusion we did. Deshaun Watson did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses,” Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement.
Browns:
Watson was the subject of trade speculation throughout the 2021 season with the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers discussed as a potential landing spots.
A trade never materialized before the Nov. 2021 deadline, and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine that the “door is shut” on Watson joining Miami.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported this week that the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are possible trade destinations for Watson, depending on the outcome of his legal situation.
Grand Jury:
Houston general manager Nick Caserio said in January that it is unlikely Watson will be play for the team again.
“Now that the criminal investigations have been completed, we are happy to move forward with the civil case depositions. We will vigorously defend those cases with every ounce we have.”
