Will Deshaun Watson still be paid in full by the Browns despite his six-game ban?

Due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct code, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson has banned Deshaun Watson for the first six games of the 2022 NFL season. Watson will make his Browns debut in Week 7 unless the NFL appeals for a lengthier suspension since the NFLPA stated in advance of the decision that it would not challenge any punishment.

The Browns anticipated this when they acquired Watson through trade. In anticipation of his need to start games, Cleveland hired former Colts and Dolphins quarterback Jacoby Brissett after Watson was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than 20 women.

Image Credits – AP

Watson should be suspended for six games, but Robinson did not impose any type of fine. Watson would lose his compensation for the absence even though there would be no penalty, thanks to the terms of the contract he signed after being acquired by the Browns this season.

For the 2022 season, Watson will get a basic salary of $1.035 million, which will be paid to him in 18 instalments of $57,500 each. If neither party successfully appeals the suspension, he will forfeit $345,000 as a result. Prior to being traded to the Browns, Watson’s contract said that he would be paid $35 million in 2022. Under those conditions, a six-game ban would have cost him $11.6 million.

Additionally, according to NBC Sports in March, Watson’s contract has “language” that states the quarterback won’t forfeit any of his signing bonus as a result of a suspension.

Can Deshaun Watson’s contract be cancelled by the Browns?

Except for the 2022 season, Watson’s contract specifies a basic pay of $46 million for each season. Instead of the $345,000 he is expected to lose, Watson would lose $16.1 million if his pay were $46 million this year. It goes without saying that any monetary damages resulting from these accusations are insignificant in light of the potential emotional and bodily suffering that many of these women may experience as a result of Watson’s alleged misbehaviour.

It is hard to determine for sure what may be specified in there that could allow Cleveland to no longer due Watson any money and cut him without punishment without having a copy of all the stipulations in his contract.

Terry Pluto stated in a mailbag on Cleveland.com that the Browns could only invalidate his contract if problems arose after he signed the agreement with the team. Even if complaints were brought after the club acquired Watson, they would have to be for instance alleging identical behaviour following the transfer.

 

More NFL news:

Follow our NFL page for more key NFL updates and news