FBI involved in Deshaun Watson case

As Deshaun Watson continues to train intermittently at the Texans’ facility but away from the team’s drills, the off-field issues that have ensnared him for months have kept churning. The FBI is now involved.

The attorney representing the 22 women who have filed civil suit against Watson, Tony Buzbee, said the FBI has contacted him regarding the suits, via League of Justice’s Amy Dash. The FBI has met with Buzbee three times, met with some of his clients and spoken with Watson. The Texans quarterback reaching out to two out-of-state masseuses over the internet brought the FBI into the equation, per Buzbee.

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said the FBI is investigating one of the plaintiffs for extortion. Watson spoke to the FBI to discuss one of his reported victim's allegations, per Hardin, who said he will continue to cooperate with the FBI, via ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop.

The civil suits emerged first, and this matter remains ongoing. The Houston Police Department’s investigation now involves at least 10 women — eight of which are part of the civil case — and a grand jury. An indictment may be in the cards for Watson, which could well prompt the NFL to place the Pro Bowl passer on the commissioner’s exempt list. The league has thus far refused to do so, leaving the Texans in an awkward spot. The NFL is not planning to interview Watson until its interviews with all 22 reported victims in the civil case have commenced.

With less than a month remaining until the regular season, Watson sits fourth on the Texans’ depth chart as the team transitions to a new offensive system. Having requested a trade before the allegations emerged, Watson remains in limbo. Given the multiple legal issues, the fifth-year QB looks highly unlikely to suit up to start this season.