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Another grand jury could still charge Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson's legal cases have not yet been resolved. Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

Another grand jury could still charge Browns QB Deshaun Watson

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/24/22

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:

A single criminal complaint alleging against Deshaun Watson being presented to Brazoria County grand jury, decision on any potential charge or no charge likely by Friday, per courthouse official. Nine criminal complaints in Harris County returned no charges from grand jury
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 24, 2022

A Harris County grand jury rejected 9 criminal cases against Watson earlier this month. But a 10th complaint filed with Houston police described an incident that took place in a different county. The complainant said Watson ejaculated on her in a Nov. 2020 massage.
— Jenny Vrentas (@JennyVrentas) March 24, 2022

Hardin said on March 11 that “the criminal investigations have been completed.” Also, Watson began waiving the Fifth in depositions after the decision in Harris County. It’s unclear at this point when Hardin became aware of the second grand jury and if/when teams were told.
— Jenny Vrentas (@JennyVrentas) March 24, 2022

"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.

Deshaun Watson flew to Cleveland last night, I’m told. He had his physical this morning at the #Browns facility and he’ll spend time with coaches this afternoon
— KimberlEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 24, 2022

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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