The Cleveland Browns’ gamble on Deshaun Watson has been one of the most scrutinized moves in recent NFL memory - a franchise-altering decision that came with sky-high stakes both on and off the field. Now, as the Browns look ahead to a pivotal offseason, there’s been a notable development in the long-running saga surrounding their quarterback.
The final two civil lawsuits alleging misconduct against Watson - stemming from massage sessions during his time with the Houston Texans - have been quietly dismissed. According to a report, the plaintiffs dropped the cases just days before the Super Bowl, avoiding trials that had been scheduled for February or March.
This marks a significant legal turning point for Watson, who has been under intense public and league scrutiny since the allegations first surfaced. The Browns acquired him in a blockbuster trade, sending a massive haul of draft picks to Houston and handing him a fully guaranteed contract - a move that raised eyebrows across the league, not only for the financial commitment but for the timing, as Watson was still facing legal uncertainty and a likely NFL suspension.
Watson ultimately served that suspension, but since arriving in Cleveland, he hasn’t looked like the same player who lit up the stat sheet in Houston. Injuries have played a major role in that.
After a rocky return in 2023, his 2024 season was cut short by a ruptured Achilles, and he missed the entire 2025 campaign as he recovered. That’s two full seasons essentially lost, and yet the Browns remain committed - at least for now.
With the legal cases now behind him and his rehab reportedly progressing, the focus shifts squarely to the football field. Watson is still on the Browns’ roster, and the expectation is that he’ll be ready to compete in 2026. But whether he can recapture the elite form that once made him one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks remains to be seen.
The reaction from fans has been predictably mixed. Some see the dismissal of the final lawsuits as the end of a long, painful chapter.
Others remain skeptical, pointing to Watson’s massive contract and limited on-field production as symbols of a franchise that has struggled to find its footing for decades. There’s also the lingering question of whether Watson, regardless of legal status, can ever truly be embraced as the face of the team.
The Browns, meanwhile, are at a crossroads. They’ve built a competitive roster and made aggressive moves to win now - but the success of this era hinges on whether Watson can deliver.
If he can stay healthy and return to form, Cleveland could finally have the franchise quarterback it’s been chasing for years. If not, the cost of the trade - in draft picks, dollars, and public trust - will be one the organization feels for a long time.
As the offseason unfolds and training camp looms, all eyes will be on Watson’s recovery, his readiness, and his role in Cleveland’s future. The legal chapter may be closed, but the football story is still being written.