Report: NFL seeks 'significant' suspension for Watson

The National Football League is seeking a "significant" suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Washington Post's Mark Maske reports.

A person close to Watson tells Maske that the league will "probably" lobby for a one-season suspension for the 26-year-old pivot. While a league source suggests that it's too early to pinpoint an exact length for the ban, “Significant would be the proper term" for it.

Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Browns in March and immediately signed a five-year, $230 million deal with his new club with all of the money guaranteed, a new NFL record.

The Gainesville, GA native currently faces 24 civil lawsuits from women alleging sexual misconduct, mostly arising from massage therapy sessions. While Watson will not be criminally charged, an NFL investigation is ongoing and its findings will be given to Sue L. Robinson, a former U.S. district judge who has been jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players' Association as a disciplinary officer.

Watson met with the media earlier in the week and once again denied any wrongdoing.

“Like I said, I never assaulted anyone or I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone,” Watson said on Tuesday following a Browns practice. “I never forced anyone to do anything.”

A person with knowledge of the situation tells Maske that the league hopes for the investigation and subsequent discipline to be concluded ahead of training camp with the Browns set to open their camp on July 27.

Maske notes that Manhattan District Attorney's Office sex crimes unit chief Lisa Friel is leading the league investigation into Watson's conduct and recently made a presentation to both the NFLPA and Watson's camp, including attorney