NFL: Cleveland Browns defend signing Deshaun Watson from Houston Texans

The Cleveland Browns have defended signing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who faces 22 civil lawsuits over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The trade was confirmed on Sundayexternal-link after first being reported on Friday.

Last week Watson was told he will not face criminal charges.

«We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision,» Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said.

They added a «comprehensive evaluation process» had been carried out «due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved».

«We also understand there are still some legal proceedings that are ongoing and we will respect due process.»

«We have done extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months… and [Deshaun] understands the work needed to re-establish himself on and off the field in Cleveland,» added general manager Andrew Berry.

Multiple allegations were made last March and despite not being suspended, Watson did not play in the 2021 season.

A grand jury ruled there was not enough evidenceexternal-link to charge Watson, 26, although he still faces multiple civil lawsuits.

Watson requested a trade from Houston after the 2020 season — and before the allegations surfaced.

After last week's grand jury verdict, he held talks with four NFL teams and on Friday he confirmed on social media that he was heading for Cleveland.

His contract is reported to be worth $230m (£174.4m) over five years.external-link

The Texans will receive three first-round draft picks from the Browns, plus a 2023 third-rounder and a 2024 fourth-rounder, making it one of the biggest trades in NFL history in terms of compensation.

Houston selected Watson 12th in the 2017 draft