The long-running legal saga surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has reached a definitive conclusion in the civil court system. According to court records and reports confirmed on Monday, the final two remaining civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct against the NFL star have been dismissed. This development marks the end of a multi-year period of litigation that involved more than two dozen individual plaintiffs and significantly impacted Watson's career and the trajectory of the Browns franchise.
The Dismissal of the Final Two Cases
The resolution of these cases comes after a period of relative quiet regarding the legal proceedings. According to reports from ESPN and court documents filed in Harris County, Texas, the two outstanding lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. The dismissal followed at least one settlement agreement reached between Watson and the plaintiffs. While the specific financial terms of the settlements remain confidential, the legal filings indicate that all parties have agreed to move past the litigation.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the vast majority of the women who filed suit against Watson, had previously seen most of his clients reach settlements in the summer of 2022. However, these final two cases had remained active on the docket for nearly two years. With their dismissal, Deshaun Watson no longer faces any active civil litigation related to the allegations of misconduct during massage therapy sessions that first surfaced in early 2021.
A Look Back at the Deshaun Watson Legal Timeline
The legal challenges for Watson began in March 2021 while he was still a member of the Houston Texans. Over the course of several months, more than 20 women filed individual civil lawsuits alleging varying degrees of sexual harassment and assault during private massage sessions. While two separate grand juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against the quarterback in early 2022, the civil cases remained a significant hurdle.
Despite the ongoing litigation at the time, the Cleveland Browns made a blockbuster trade for Watson in March 2022, sending three first-round draft picks to Houston. Upon his arrival in Cleveland, Watson signed a historic five-year, $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed—a move that drew intense scrutiny from fans and media alike given the pending legal situation.
NFL Disciplinary Actions and Previous Settlements
The NFL conducted its own independent investigation into the allegations, led by former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson. Following the investigation and a subsequent appeal by the league, Watson reached a settlement with the NFL regarding his disciplinary status. In August 2022, it was announced that Watson would serve an 11-game suspension, pay a $5 million fine, and undergo mandatory evaluation and treatment.
By the time Watson made his debut for the Browns in late 2022, he had already settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits that had been filed against him up to that point. The dismissal of the final two cases this week officially clears his civil legal docket, allowing the focus to shift entirely to his recovery and his future on the football field.
Current Status with the Cleveland Browns
While the legal cloud has lifted, Watson’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns remains a central topic of discussion due to his health and performance. Watson is currently in the midst of a lengthy rehabilitation process after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 season. The injury required surgery and ended his season prematurely.
Since joining the Browns, Watson has appeared in only 19 games over three seasons due to the 2022 suspension and various injuries, including a shoulder ailment that required surgery in 2023. The Browns' front office continues to navigate the implications of his fully guaranteed contract, which runs through the 2026 season.
What This Means for Watson and the NFL
The dismissal of these lawsuits provides a sense of finality to one of the most complex legal situations involving an active NFL player in recent history. For Watson, the removal of the threat of future trials allows him to focus on his physical recovery without the distraction of ongoing court dates or depositions. For the NFL, the conclusion of these cases likely ends the league's direct involvement in the matter, provided no new information or allegations surface.
As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Cleveland Browns will be monitoring Watson's recovery closely. With the legal proceedings now behind him, the primary questions surrounding Watson will return to the gridiron: his ability to return to the Pro Bowl form he displayed in Houston and his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback in Cleveland.
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