Deshaun Watson's Civil Legal Saga Concludes with Dismissal of Final Lawsuits
The protracted civil legal saga surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has officially reached its conclusion. According to reports from USA Today, the last two remaining civil lawsuits filed against the NFL star were dismissed before they could proceed to trial. Both cases had been scheduled for court proceedings in early 2026, but the plaintiffs opted to withdraw their claims prior to the start of legal proceedings.
Closure of a Nearly Five-Year Legal Chapter
With these dismissals finalized on January 6, Watson no longer faces any active civil lawsuits connected to the misconduct allegations that first emerged in 2021. While specific settlement details have not been publicly disclosed, league observers and analysts widely anticipate that the final cases were resolved through private agreements, mirroring the resolution of most earlier lawsuits. This development effectively closes a legal chapter that has shadowed Watson for nearly five years, significantly influencing both his professional career and his on-field performance trajectory.
Background of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
A total of 27 women initially filed civil lawsuits accusing Deshaun Watson of misconduct related to private massage sessions that allegedly occurred in 2020 and early 2021. At that time, Watson was still a member of the Houston Texans franchise. Of these cases, 24 were settled through confidential agreements, one was withdrawn shortly after filing, and the final two have now been dismissed before reaching trial. Prominent attorney Tony Buzbee represented nearly all of the plaintiffs, including one of the women involved in the last remaining cases.
The Houston Texans organization also reached separate settlements with women who accused the franchise of enabling Watson's alleged behavior or failing to intervene during the period in question. These agreements allowed the team to move forward as public scrutiny around the situation persisted. Throughout the legal process, Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that some encounters were consensual.
NFL Discipline and Career Impact
The National Football League conducted its own independent investigation and reached a different conclusion, resulting in Watson receiving an 11-game suspension during the 2022 season. This disciplinary action was imposed despite the fact that criminal charges were never pursued against the quarterback.
Despite the significant off-field controversy, the Houston Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns in one of the most notable transactions in NFL history. Cleveland committed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, a decision that sparked considerable debate across the league regarding player contracts and team management strategies.
With the civil cases now officially closed, Deshaun Watson enters the next phase of his professional career without ongoing legal actions connected to the misconduct accusations that have dominated headlines for years. The resolution allows both the player and the organizations involved to focus on future football endeavors while putting this legal chapter behind them.
