Browns Anticipating Eight-Game Watson Suspension?
The Deshaun Watson saga is still crawling along, but updates on the Browns related to their embattled QB continue to be provided. Included among them is the expectation the team currently has for the length of Watson’s pending suspension. 
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that the Browns “privately are bracing for an eight-game suspension” being handed down to Watson. That would constitute the high end of the two- to eight-game range which Florio reported yesterday was the most likely conclusion to the league’s disciplinary process. A ban of any length could, of course, be appealed, meaning that a decision being rendered by former judge Sue Robinson won’t bring immediate closure to the situation.
In the event Watson is sidelined for the first two months of the season, attention will naturally turn to Cleveland’s subsequent QB move(s). The Browns will target a backup to Jacoby Brissett as insurance in the short-term, something made possible in no small part by the league-leading cap space they currently have, a figure which exceeds $48MM. To that point, Florio notes “chatter about the possibility of the Browns adding Cam Newton.” The 33-year-old rejoined the Panthers last season, starting five winless games. Their addition of Mayfield will push him to find a new home, as he did in 2020.
Another stopgap option consistently floated around is Jimmy Garoppolo. It was reported last week that Cleveland making a significant push to trade for the 49ers signal-caller would be considered surprising. On the other hand, PFF’s Doug Kyed reports that the Browns “did their homework” on Garoppolo during the spring (Twitter link). They are the only team currently capable of absorbing the 30-year-old’s $24.2MM salary in 2022, the final year of his contract, in full.
Nothing will be known with more certainty until Robinson’s decision is handed down, and any resulting appeals process plays out. As a team aiming for a Super Bowl run, and facing a conference full of talent-rich opponents, the Browns could ill-afford to stumble, or likely even tread water, in the early portion of the season. How they react to Watson’s discipline will therefore remain a hugely relevant storyline in the build-up to the campaign.
49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo “Progressing Well” From Shoulder Surgery
Jimmy Garoppolo continues to take positive steps forward as he recovers from his shoulder surgery. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), the quarterback recently got a thumbs up from Dr. Neal ElAttrache during a checkup, and it seems like the veteran is “progressing well.”
[RELATED: Browns Unlikely To Pursue Jimmy Garoppolo?]
Per Rapoport, the 49ers are thrilled with where Garoppolo is from a physical standpoint. The expectation continues to be that the QB will be able to make his return to the field in mid-August, and Rapoport hints that the player’s return could quickly lead to a trade out of San Francisco.
We heard recently that Garoppolo had resumed throwing, and Rapoport provided some details on his rehab process. The QB’s focus isn’t on “making one deep” pass attempt; instead, Garoppolo is focused on “making many [passes] in a row” as he attempts to build up for actual game action. Per Rapoport, the belief is that the player’s cuff will end up stronger than it was before the injury. Garoppolo originally injured his shoulder during the team’s Divisional Round win over the Cowboys. The surgery ultimately kept him out of mandatory minicamp.
It sounds like the 49ers are not counting on Garoppolo to be ready for the start of training camp. That means 2021 third-overall pick Trey Lance won’t have to look over his shoulder as he guides the first-team offense through the early parts of camp. It sounds like Garoppolo won’t even get a legitimate look from the 49ers before he’s shipped out via trade, but at the very least, the veteran’s current status eliminates any semblance of a QB competition.
Still, a Garoppolo trade is easier said than done, especially with the majority of his potential suitors now out of the picture. The Browns and Seahawks have most recently been connected to the 30-year-old, but if those squads have legitimate interest, they’d likely wait out their chances and see if Garoppolo ends up hitting free agency. The player’s shoulder somewhat complicates a potential release, but no matter the end result, his return to practice will mark the beginning of the end for Garoppolo in San Francisco.
Browns Not Interested In Ndamukong Suh, Could Have Interest In Sheldon Richardson
A report from last week hinted that the Browns could have some interest in Ndamukong Suh. That doesn’t appear to be the case, but the organization could still have interest in adding a defensive lineman. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, reports connecting Suh to Cleveland are “unfounded,” and “there doesn’t seem to be much interest” in adding the veteran. However, if the team does add a defensive tackle, Sheldon Richardson could be an option.
[RELATED: Browns Interested In DT Ndamukong Suh?]
Richardson spent two seasons in Cleveland, collecting 126 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 32 games with the organization. Richardson originally inked a three-year deal with the Browns in 2019, but after he refused to take a pay cut following the 2020 campaign, he was let go. He ended up catching on with the Vikings for the 2021 season, starting seven of his 17 games while collecting 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
As Cabot notes, the 31-year-old defensive tackle is still well liked from his time in Cleveland, with the reporter citing Richardson’s ability to help “patch things up” between Myles Garrett and Baker Mayfield following the former’s suspension in 2019. Beyond his locker room presence, Richardson could also provide some guidance to the Browns’ younger defensive lineman, although Cabot hints that the organization may be content rolling with their current grouping.
The team is high on fourth-round rookie Perrion Winfrey, and they also want to see what they’ve got from third-year pro Jordan Elliott and free agent addition Taven Bryan. However, there’s always a chance a spot could open up, and if the Browns decide they need some reinforcement at defensive tackle, there’s a good chance Richardson will get a call.
One name that apparently won’t be called is Suh. The veteran’s run of Pro Bowls stopped in 2016, but Suh became a key piece for Rams and Bucs Super Bowl-bound teams in the years that followed. Last season, he registered six regular-season sacks and added four hits on Matthew Stafford in Tampa Bay’s narrow divisional-round loss.
Deshaun Watson Rumors: Tuesday
The NFL’s defining offseason story continues to head toward its conclusion, though disciplinary officer Sue Robinson’s decision should be expected to be the first of a few involving Deshaun Watson. Appeals and a potential legal fight may well be up next to determine the punishment for the Browns quarterback. Here is the latest on the Watson front:
- Robinson’s decision is not expected to emerge this week, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweets. The post-hearing briefs were not due until July 12, and while an announcement this week would clear the way for this saga’s next chapter to begin before the Browns break for training camp, the retired judge has been expected to take her time and issue a detailed report. This delay opens the door to the Browns not knowing how long Watson will be suspended until well after camp begins. Appeals could push this process close to Week 1, while a court fight would likely drag the matter into the regular season. Recent NFL suspensions that went to court led to Tom Brady and Ezekiel Elliott playing after receiving injunctions, but both players eventually served their original-length bans.
- The NFL has made its push for a full-season suspension clear, with three sources informing USA Today’s Mike Jones the league’s long-rumored intent did, in fact, come to light during the three-day June hearing.
- Continuing the roundabout news cycles associated with potential Watson punishment, Robinson’s ruling could put Roger Goodell and NFL brass to the test. A two- to eight-game ban stands to be the most likely outcome, a source informed Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. This verdict would likely require the NFL standing down regarding an appeal. While overturning an independent arbitrator’s decision in this disciplinary process’ first go-round would further damage the NFL’s relationship with the NFLPA, the league would run into more bad PR if a two- or four-game ban came to pass. This is, however, the second report this week to predict the 26-year-old QB playing in 2022.
- Part of the reason for Watson’s side to hope for lighter punishment: the NFL’s case. Anderson adds the NFL focused on four accusers’ accounts (Twitter link) — based on what has been uncovered during the league’s lengthy investigation — instead of the previously reported five during the hearing. Multiple women still suing Watson accused him of sexual assault, but Jones notes the NFL’s presentation did not include examples of sexual assault, force or violence. The attorney for the accusers, Tony Buzbee, was unsurprised by this, indicating the majority of Watson’s accusers allege the quarterback committed “indecent exposure and assault; that is, touching without consent.” The CBA calls for a baseline suspension of six games for “sexual assault involving physical force,” pushing Watson’s alleged misconduct into a gray area with regards to league punishment.
- The NFLPA indeed referenced minimal or no punishment given to owners Dan Snyder, Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones during the hearing. The NFL, in its post-hearing brief, countered that by indicating the union’s issues with owner discipline (or lack thereof) are irrelevant to the Watson matter, Anderson adds (on Twitter).
- If Watson ends up receiving a suspension that covers much of 2022, the Browns plan to sign a backup quarterback. They are not expected to pursue a starter-caliber passer, with the team confidence Jacoby Brissett can handle those responsibilities during Watson’s absence.
NFLPA, Deshaun Watson Preparing To Sue NFL; Latest On QB’s Chances To Play In 2022
The Deflategate and Ezekiel Elliott dramas showed NFL suspensions do not necessarily provide off-field sagas’ final acts. Deshaun Watson and the NFLPA appear prepared to extend an already-lengthy matter to court, if the NFL’s goal of a full-season suspension becomes reality.
A full-season ban would prompt the Browns quarterback and the union to sue the NFL, Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com tweets. Despite no ruling having been made yet, Robinson notes the two parties currently at odds with the NFL have already made plans to sue.
This lawsuit would occur if disciplinary officer Sue Robinson bans Watson for a full season or if the NFL overturns her ruling and pushes through a full-year suspension. After 24 women sued Watson for alleged sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault — during a process that led to the Texans settling with 30 women in connection with their former quarterback’s off-field behavior — the league has long been rumored to push for a punishment that keeps the new Cleveland QB off the field for a full season. Positioned to oversee the appeal process, Roger Goodell can ensure this happens. If this journey heads down that path, another NFL legal drama looks like it will commence.
Neither Elliott nor Tom Brady ended up seeing their suspensions vacated, though each stalled their respective punishments. Brady played the entire 2015 season but ended up serving a four-game ban in 2016. An injunction allowed Elliott to play after initially being suspended in 2017, but a notable back-and-forth with the NFL in court led to the Cowboys running back serving his six-game suspension that year. Watson would also face an uphill battle, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who notes the latest CBA negotiating a clear policy — an independent arbitrator ahead of a Goodell-overseen appeal, a procedure put in place via the 2020 CBA — would work against Watson in court.
These lawsuit plans may be tested. Would Watson still take the league to court if he is suspended for much of the 2022 campaign, but not all of it? Some around the league believe Watson will play in 2022, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com writes. As for when the next step here (the appeal stage) will take place, Charles Robinson adds Sue Robinson’s decision could drag into Browns training camp (Twitter link). This would move the appeal stage into the preseason and potentially up against the start of the regular season. If Watson is suspended for much or all of the 2022 slate, the Browns are planning to add another quarterback. But this to-be-determined passer would back up Jacoby Brissett, not replace him as the starter.
Browns To Sign Backup QB If Deshaun Watson Gets Lengthy Suspension
As the news involving Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to develop around the several allegations of sexual misconduct placed upon him, disciplinary officer Sue Robinson is nearing her ruling on whether or not Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy. The ruling should determine the length of time, if any, that Watson will be suspended from playing in the NFL. If it’s determined that Watson will be out for an extended period of time, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com tells us that the Browns “will sign a quarterback to back up interim starter Jacoby Brissett.” 
Brissett signed a one-year deal to join the Browns back in March. The NC State product started five games last year in Miami, when starter Tua Tagovailoa was injured, but gained most of his starting experience filling in for Andrew Luck during his four seasons with the Colts.
Indianapolis acquired Brissett in 2017 in a straight-up trade with New England for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett after news that offseason shoulder surgery would force their starting quarterback, Luck, to miss some time in the regular season. Brissett started every game but one that season for the Colts. After backing up a healthy Luck the following season, Brissett was forced back into the starting role when Luck surprisingly announced his retirement two weeks before the 2019 NFL season. Again, Brissett started all but one game that year.
Brissett’s extensive starting experience made him a resourceful addition to the Browns’ roster, considering the likelihood that Watson will miss time, and he became the obvious choice to start as soon as news arose of friction between Baker Mayfield and Cleveland. As a starter, Brissett has amassed a 14-23 record over his six years in the league. He has a career completion percentage of 60.2%, passing for 7,742 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 60 total games.
Currently the only other quarterback on the roster in Cleveland is former Steelers’ reserve Joshua Dobbs. Since getting drafted in 2017, Dobbs has thrown 17 passes spread over six regular season appearances. If Watson is unavailable, the Browns will want someone with a bit more experience backing up their backup, Brissett. The free agent market offers up slim pickings for the desperate, but still contains some notable backup names.
The most experienced available quarterback in free agency is Cam Newton. The 33-year-old is coming off a return season in Carolina and has started a football game in every year of his career since getting drafted in 2011. Mike Glennon is another passer with starting experience available on the market. The journeyman has 31 starts to his name, starting games for four of the six teams that have rostered him. Most recently, Glennon started four games last year for the Giants.
Behind those two, free agency also offers career backup names like A.J. McCarron and Garrett Gilbert. McCarron recently announced his eagerness to return to the NFL after recovering from a torn ACL and has plenty of experience in the AFC North from his extended time in Cincinnati. Gilbert has less time in the NFL as a backup but has shown an adaptability by spending each of his four seasons in the NFL with four different teams. Luckily for Cleveland, one of those teams is the Browns. Gilbert spent the 2019 season backing up Mayfield under then-head coach Freddie Kitchens.
While it doesn’t offer much in terms of quantity, there are some real options for Cleveland to pursue on the free agent market. They could also attempt to trade for a backup the way Indianapolis did years ago to obtain Brissett, but that’s another article entirely. Regardless, Cleveland will have plenty of time to set their plans straight as the ruling from Robinson may not be announced for weeks.
CB Jason McCourty Retires After 13 Seasons
While Devin McCourty signed another contract to continue his career this offseason, his twin brother is walking away from the game. Jason McCourty announced his retirement Friday (via Instagram).
This wraps a 13-year run for Jason McCourty, who began his NFL career a year before Devin did. After playing alongside his twin at Rutgers in the late 2000s, Jason entered the NFL in 2009 as a sixth-round Titans pick. The longtime NFL cornerback went on to play 173 games with four teams, collecting a Super Bowl ring along the way. Jason’s decision comes less than a month from his 35th birthday.
McCourty signed a five-year extension with the Titans just before the 2012 season, and he nearly played out that contract. Being released by the Titans during the 2017 offseason led McCourty to three other teams — the Browns, Patriots and Dolphins — and five more NFL seasons.
Tennessee certainly received considerable value from the 2009 sixth-rounder. McCourty’s 108 games are the most by a Titans cornerback since the franchise’s 1997 relocation. They trail only Cris Dishman and Zeke Moore‘s 109; both played exclusively with the Oilers. The Titans had interest in keeping McCourty in 2016, but at a different price. That led to a separation and McCourty playing the 2017 with the Browns. Although the Patriots showed interest in 2017, McCourty chose Cleveland. That Browns edition went 0-16.
The Browns, who had signed McCourty to a two-year deal worth $6MM in 2017, traded the contract to the Patriots. One of the Pats’ pick-swap deals — a sixth-round pick for McCourty and a seventh — was enough to reunite the twin DBs. This led to the most memorable chapter of the McCourtys’ career, with Jason and Devin playing together for the next three seasons. After being part of a winless team, Jason McCourty made major contributions to a Super Bowl-winning squad a year later. McCourty’s lengthy sprint to break up a likely Jared Goff-to-Brandin Cooks touchdown connection helped the Pats become the second team to keep an opponent out of the end zone in a Super Bowl.
McCourty re-signed with the Pats on a two-year, $10MM deal in 2019 and ended his New England run with 36 starts — including all three Pats playoff games during their 2018 Super Bowl LIII run. Then-Dolphins HC Brian Flores brought in his former charge in 2021, but a foot injury limited him to just seven games last season.
For his career, Jason McCourty finishes with 18 interceptions and nine forced fumbles. He turned two of his five fumble recoveries into touchdowns and returned an INT for a score as well. Devin McCourty signed a one-year, $9MM deal to stay with the Patriots in March.
Texans Settle 30 Lawsuits Related To Alleged Deshaun Watson Sexual Misconduct
The Texans attempted to end their part in the Deshaun Watson saga Friday, settling 30 lawsuits with women who had made or were planning to make claims against the team related to alleged sexual misconduct by the former Houston quarterback, according to Houston TV station KPRC.
A civil suit against the Texans emerged not long after a lengthy New York Times report detailed the quarterback’s alleged improper behavior during massage therapy sessions. The first woman to file suit against the Texans, one of the four who did not settle with the embattled quarterback, accused the team of turning a blind eye to Watson’s off-field misconduct. The Texans believe the NFL, through recent inquiries, did not uncover wrongdoing on their part, Josina Anderson of USA Today tweets. Though, a thorough investigation of the Texans has not believed to have taken place.
That lawsuit alleged that the Texans, by giving Watson a Houstonian hotel and spa membership and arranging nondisclosure agreements for him, enabled their then-QB’s behavior, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes. Texans trainer Roland Ramirez confirmed in a deposition the team arranged for the hotel membership. Watson allegedly used the room for massages. The Times reported he received massages from at least 66 women from fall 2019 to spring 2021.
“We were shocked and deeply saddened when we first learned of the allegations against our then franchise quarterback in March 2021,” Cal, Hannah and Janice McNair, the family the owns the Texans, said in a statement. “Although our organization did not have any knowledge of Deshaun Watson’s alleged misconduct, we have intentionally chosen to resolve this matter amicably. This is not an admission of any wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct.”
Rumors of other accusers coming forward against Watson have surfaced this offseason, and while Friday’s count would seem to confirm those, no other lawsuits have been filed against the sixth-year QB. Watson attorney Rusty Hardin said Friday the Texans’ settlements have “no significance” to Watson’s cases, Wilson adds (via Twitter). Watson’s civil cases will run into 2023, with both Hardin and the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Tony Buzbee, agreeing on a moratorium which will last until March 1, 2023.
Watson and the Browns are awaiting disciplinary officer Sue Robinson’s ruling, which may not occur until after next week. The NFL has pushed for a full-season suspension, something the league could ensure upon appeal — unless Robinson rules Watson did not violate the league’s personal conduct policy. That scenario, one in which Watson is eligible to play Week 1, has long been considered unlikely.
Browns Unlikely To Pursue Jimmy Garoppolo?
Deshaun Watson‘s initial suspension length is unlikely to surface until at least next week, and even that announcement might not happen until the Browns break for training camp. But the likely appeal process should be expected to drag into August, complicating matters for the team that surrendered three first-round picks and change for the former Texans Pro Bowler.
The prospect of Jimmy Garoppolo serving as an emergency option for Cleveland, in the event the NFL does suspend Watson for a full season or close to it, has come up in recent weeks. But the team is comfortable with Jacoby Brissett guiding the offense in Watson’s absence, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler, who said during an appearance on KNBR’s Tolbert & Copes (h/t 49erswebzone.com) he is not sure the Browns will emerge in the Garoppolo mix.
[RELATED: How Will 49ers’ Garoppolo Saga End?]
Not long after acquiring Watson, the Browns traded Case Keenum — their backup of two years — and signed Brissett to a one-year, $4.65MM deal. Cleveland also gave up one of the top trade packages in NFL history for Watson. In addition to the first-rounders being dealt, the Browns gave the Texans a third-rounder (in 2023) and two fourths (in 2022 and ’24). The team’s draft capital may be an issue regarding a Garoppolo pursuit, Fowler adds. Baker Mayfield went for only a 2024 fifth-rounder, and the 49ers are in a somewhat similar salary spot with Garoppolo — attached to a $24.2MM base salary that becomes guaranteed in Week 1 — so draft capital being a hang-up is interesting here.
Brissett, 29, has 37 career starts under his belt; five of those came with the Dolphins last season. The former third-round pick averaged just 5.7 yards per attempt in Miami, though he fared better during the second of his years as the Colts’ primary starter. Garoppolo would certainly be a more inspiring option than Brissett, but the Browns may stand down.
Garoppolo, 30, has resumed throwing. The 49ers could stash him on the active/PUP list to start camp, if they want to both give the veteran QB more recovery time and/or sideline him as they negotiate a trade, but Kyle Shanahan said in June the 49ers would likely have their trade chip at practice instead of stashed on the PUP list. The 49ers excused Garoppolo from minicamp, but he was not ready to throw at that point.
The Seahawks loom as a Garoppolo option but are more likely to wait out a potential release. The Texans have been loosely linked to Garoppolo this offseason, with Nick Caserio having been in New England throughout the ex-Tom Brady backup’s stay there. But Fowler adds it would be a bit of a surprise if Garoppolo ended up in Houston, given the team’s interest in developing Davis Mills.
After the Mayfield trade, Cleveland gained more than $8MM in cap space. The team’s $48.5MM is $25MM north of any other team’s cap room, providing options in the event Watson is shut down for the season. (The 49ers’ $4.9MM in space ranks 30th on that list.) Watson being shelved for all of 2022 would cause his five-year contract to toll, making it a 2023-27 pact. The Browns structured the $230MM guaranteed deal to minimize Watson’s penalties in a suspension — one the team did not expect to be a full-season ban when it made the trade. Watson’s $1MM base salary would move to 2023, pushing the run of $50MM-plus cap figures to 2024 and beyond.
Browns Interested In DT Ndamukong Suh?
2:10pm: Some cold water is falling on a potential Browns-Suh partnership. The Browns are not pursuing the 12-year veteran standout, with Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com noting (via Twitter) the team has not shown interest throughout the offseason. Suh will likely land somewhere, but despite questions at D-tackle, Cleveland may well pass.
10:10am: Both the Browns’ primary defensive tackle starters from last season — Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell — are no longer with the team. Although Jadeveon Clowney filled one D-line need by committing to return to Cleveland, the Browns have far less certainty at the spots between Clowney and Myles Garrett.
The team appears interested in seeing if Ndamukong Suh will fill one of those holes. Suh is on the Browns’ radar, according to USA Today’s Tyler Dragon (on Twitter). The All-Decade defensive lineman should be expected to land with a team, thus committing to a 13th NFL season, ahead of training camp.
The Raiders and Vikings have expressed interest as well, with the former perhaps not as interested in a partnership as Suh is. But the Browns have long loomed as a likely Suh suitor. With $48.5MM in cap space, Cleveland holds $25MM more than the team with the second-most cap room. The Browns would make a clear upgrade with Suh at D-tackle.
Cleveland added ex-Jacksonville first-rounder Taven Bryan in free agency and drafted Perrion Winfrey in the fourth round. The team also rosters former third-rounder Jordan Elliott, who started three games last season. These potential Garrett-Clowney supporting-casters obviously boast profiles several tiers below Suh’s.
With the Buccaneers moving on, after drafting Logan Hall in Round 2 and subsequently signing Akiem Hicks, Suh is likely to join a fifth NFL team. Although the former No. 2 overall pick has declined, as he enters his age-35 season, Suh remains effective and has been one of the most durable players in NFL history. Suh has never missed a game due to injury, having started in 191 games (plus 12 more playoff contests) since his 2010 rookie season.
Cleveland has both money and a clear need, but Suh’s decision also may come down to Deshaun Watson‘s fate. The longer the recently acquired quarterback is suspended, the less likely the Browns are to be a contending team. When the Browns traded for Watson in March, they looked like one of the AFC’s better squads. A full-season Watson ban, a scenario that has gained steam in recent weeks, would greatly diminish the 2022 Browns’ capabilities and likely reduce their appeal for veteran free agents.
Suh’s run of Pro Bowls stopped in 2016, and the Dolphins bailed on their big-ticket contract after the ’17 season. But Suh became a key piece for Rams and Bucs Super Bowl-bound teams in the years that followed. Last season, he registered six regular-season sacks and added four hits on Matthew Stafford in Tampa Bay’s narrow divisional-round loss.