Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson could be placed on paid leave

Deshaun Watson, San Francisco 49ers

Dec 21, 2019; Tampa, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks in the tunnel prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Houston Texans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing 22 civil cases stemming from sexual assault and/or sexual misconduct allegations that have been thrown his way.

One of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, the 25-year-old Watson now faces an uncertain future in the league months after he requested a trade from the Texans.

Recent reports suggest that Watson is facing a “multi-game suspension” for the 2021 season regardless of what happens in the court of law. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, the NFL has an ability to suspend players even in the absence of criminal charges being filed or a guilty verdict. The most-notorious recent example of this was Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott back in 2017.

There’s also this whole Commissioner’s Exempt List thing hanging over Deshaun Watson right now. Roger Goodell could technically place Watson on said list, paying him to remain away from the Texans.

“Many league insiders and observers have assumed that, given the sheer volume of civil cases pending against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, the NFL eventually will place him on paid leave pending the resolution of 22 lawsuits,” Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported recently.

There’s a lot that goes into this possibility. As Florio notes, the litigation schedule in the civil cases indicates Watson won’t be questioned under oath until after the 2021 NFL season concludes. From a PR standpoint, the NFL faces a real quagmire here.

Can it realistically let Watson take to the field with these 22 allegations still outstanding? Heck, there’s a chance that the Texans have already moved on from him. After a plethora of offseason moves, Houston has four other quarterbacks under contract. That includes former Pro Bowler Tyrod Taylor and rookie third-round pick Davis Mills.

Meanwhile, teams who had interest in Watson earlier in the offseason have moved on to other options after these allegations became public record.

Where the Deshaun Watson situation stands now

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