In the age of social media, it can often be difficult to figure out the difference between speculation and reporting from members of the media. With so much time between the end of Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing and now, speculation has run rampant.
That speculation ramped up when Watson, for the first time, verbalized remorse prior to the Browns first preseason game.
A settlement is still on the table as a resolution between the NFL and Watson. While Peter C. Harvey could hand down his ruling on the NFL’s appeal of Judge Sue Robinson’s six-game suspension, there have been multiple reports about the settlement possibilities including that Watson was willing to settle for eight games and a fine.
We know Cleveland players like Wyatt Teller are hopeful to “be done with” the speculation.
Backing up a report from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes that a settlement between the two sides could come quickly:
Sources close to the Deshaun Watson situation believe a resolution could come today or tomorrow. Recent talks between NFL and Watson's reps have heightened hope that they can reach a settlement without Peter C. Harvey having to rule, but it's unclear how much longer he will wait.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 17, 2022
Graziano and Cabot both noted that a settlement “could” be on the way but neither is reporting that it is complete.
Given that the NFL has wanted at least a year suspension and, reportedly, doesn’t want Watson playing in Houston this year, a 12-game suspension with a large fine seems like a strong possibility. If Watson doesn’t play in six regular season games this year, the Browns would wind up with significant salary cap savings in 2023.
