Deshaun Watson: QB & NFL could reach 'negotiated compromise' over a possible suspension

NFL reporter Mike Florio has claimed that a decision over Deshaun Watson’s future could be reached before commissioner Roger Goodell can hand out a full and proper punishment. 

The situation surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and what will happen to him this season has been murky for some time. 

Watson is currently under investigation from the National Football League over 24 acts of sexual misconduct that he has been accused of committing during his time with the Houston Texans. Whilst he was not indicted by a criminal court for the allegations, he has been facing a number of civil suits against him from his accusers.

The hearing between Watson and the NFL is being overseen by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson and concluded last week, with both sides now waiting to hear what her verdict is when it comes to a possible suspension. 

Watson, who has maintained his innocence throughout proceedings, will be hoping for the smallest suspension possible, as he looks to get his promising football career back on track, having put up 14,539 passing yards and 104 touchdowns during his time with the Texans. 

Those numbers were enough for the Browns to give him a fully-guaranteed 5-year, $230m contract to be their quarterback of the future this past offseason. 

The NFL on the other hand is reportedly pushing for an ‘indefinite suspension’, but with a minimum suspension of one year, neither punishment would be new territory for the league as they have handed out plenty of both in the past.

But according to Florio, it’s possible that the two sides could meet in the middle. 

Writing in a column for ProFootballTalk, Florio broke down what could potentially happen with the legal proceedings, and claimed that even