NFL insider believes Deshaun Watson decision comes before Week 1

There is belief a decision on Deshaun Watson could becoming by the NFL before Week 1.

Albert Breer of The MMQB believes the NFL will decide on what to do with new Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson before Week 1 of the 2022 season arrives.

Breer reported NFL officials have met with Watson in Texas. His belief is that while he is unsure of if the NFL’s investigation into Watson is complete, the league usually speaks with the player last in these sort of delicate situations. He reported the NFL has spoken with at least half of the 22 accusers, so one would think the league has communicated with all who would be willing to talk.

The biggest reason why Breer believes the NFL will reach a decision on Watson is the trial on the civil cases will be suspended once the season starts and will not resume until after the season ends. Since the criminal lawsuits have already been dropped, the NFL can theoretically levy a suspension on Watson before the season starts to get out ahead of this, for better or worse…

This is a combination of who the player is and the severity of the civil cases that are still open.

NFL insider expects league will have a ruling on Deshaun Watson before Week 1

Of course, it is risky for the NFL to have a ruling on the matter before Watson has his day in civil court. The league runs the risk of being too lenient on the impending suspension or potentially too harsh if Watson is possibly acquitted of all charges. Either way, everybody seems to understand that a suspension is coming in some capacity, as it will be for conduct detrimental to the league.

Even Cleveland seems to understand this. It is why the Browns signed a top-tier backup/stop-gap quarterback in free agency by adding Jacoby Brissett to the mix. Though Baker Mayfield remains on the Cleveland roster, Breer is confident that he is not sticking with the Browns as somewhat of an insurance policy for whatever Watson fallout may follow. They are looking for compensation.

While the Browns still have a shot at being a good football team this year, they are a team with great variance, almost entirely because of the Watson decision. If he is able to play in more than half of their games, the Browns could contend for the AFC playoffs. Should he not be able to play again this fall, then Cleveland could potentially finish in last place in the AFC North divisional race.

At this time, it would be more shocking than not if the NFL did not make a decision before Week 1.