Another grand jury could still charge Browns QB Deshaun Watson
Legal experts and individuals following the case, such as Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio , were quick to point out that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hadn't necessarily avoided all criminal charges just because a Harris County grand jury decided not to indict the former Houston Texans star before the beginning of the new NFL year.
A new twist to the story appeared Thursday when Cleveland's Fox 8 I-Team reported a grand jury in another Texas county has convened to hear evidence against the three-time Pro Bowl selection. ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin reports the Browns were aware of the second grand jury before Thursdays's developments, and both Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson and Jenny Vrentas of the New York Times offered additional information:
"It’s not a new complaint," Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney, told the I-Team about his client who is still facing 22 civil lawsuits.
The Browns landed Watson from the Texans last week via a blockbuster trade and then signed the 26-year-old to a massive five-year contract that reportedly is worth $230 million in fully guaranteed money. Days after news of the transaction broke, Cleveland's ownership, general manager and head coach defended the trade via release.
"We have done extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months to provide us with the appropriate information needed to make an informed decision about pursuing him and moving forward with him as our quarterback," Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained in his statement on the matter. "Deshaun has been among the very best at the position and he understands the work needed to re-establish himself on and off the field in Cleveland."
Watson flew to Cleveland Wednesday night for a physical and, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, was on track to participate in a Friday news conference before information about the second grand jury went public. It's unclear if the Browns have changed that schedule.
Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing regarding the many allegations made against him but could face a suspension or miss part of the 2022 season via a stint on the commissioner's exempt list. It's believed veteran Jacoby Brissett would be the next man up on the depth chart for the Browns as they look to trade 2018 first overall draft pick Baker Mayfield "as soon as possible."
Watson didn't play during the 2021 campaign following an offseason request to be traded by the Texans.
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