What’s subsequent for Deshaun Watson, Texans now that he will not face prison fees? – Houston Texans Weblog

HOUSTON — On Friday afternoon, a Harris County, Texas, prosecutor introduced that Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 girls who’ve accused him of inappropriate habits and sexual assault.

In a press release after the announcement was made, Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, mentioned, “Now that the prison investigations have been accomplished, we’re completely happy to maneuver ahead with the civil case depositions. We’ll vigorously defend these instances with each ounce we now have.”

The civil instances Hardin referenced are the 22 lawsuits that have been filed towards Watson, with accusations together with sexual assault and inappropriate habits throughout therapeutic massage periods.

The primary of these lawsuits was filed March 16, 2021.

The civil instances are unrelated to the ruling Watson obtained Friday. He did sit for 2 periods of depositions for the civil instances Friday, the place he invoked his Fifth Modification proper towards self-incrimination as a result of the prison investigation had not concluded on the time.

Here’s a take a look at what’s subsequent for Watson and the Texans:

What’s the timeline for the lawsuits?

These lawsuits might be settled at any time each events agree, but when any of the instances usually are not, a pretrial convention is scheduled for early Could, in keeping with courtroom paperwork.

How does this have an effect on his NFL future?

Final 12 months, Hardin mentioned he did not anticipate Watson to talk to the NFL’s investigative group till the prison investigation was full. Now that it has concluded, Watson is anticipated to be interviewed by the league.

A spokesman for the NFL, which is investigating Watson below its private conduct coverage, mentioned in a press release Friday, “We have now been carefully monitoring all developments within the matter.”

Might Watson nonetheless be suspended?

Whereas the league investigation — and Watson’s interview — will probably play an enormous half in whether or not the quarterback is disciplined by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, it stays to be seen whether or not Watson is suspended.

Final season, with the prison investigation ongoing, Goodell opted to not prohibit Watson from collaborating in group actions, permitting him to report back to coaching camp and participate in observe. Whereas Watson did participate in some particular person reps throughout camp, he didn’t take part in group drills.

Watson stayed on the Texans’ lively roster — gathering his $10.54 million base wage — all season, listed as a wholesome scratch for all 17 video games.

What have the Texans mentioned about this?

Members of the group have declined to remark particularly on Watson’s authorized state of affairs. Nonetheless, common supervisor Nick Caserio mentioned this month on the NFL mix that the group is “day-to-day by way of dealing with” Watson’s state of affairs.

The following day, coach Lovie Smith mentioned the Texans are hoping for “a immediate decision” to Watson’s future with the group.

What does this imply for a commerce?

The Texans may conform to a commerce for Watson at any time, nevertheless it couldn’t be made official till the brand new league 12 months begins at four p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Houston is open to buying and selling Watson, who requested the transfer in January 2021 after he determined he was not pleased with the route of the franchise. In accordance with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a number of groups are anticipated to have an interest.

Nonetheless, Watson has a no-trade clause within the four-year, $156 million contract he signed in September 2020. Watson has beforehand agreed to waive that clause just for the Miami Dolphins, who tried to accumulate the quarterback earlier than the commerce deadline in November. Final week, Dolphins common supervisor Chris Grier mentioned “the door is shut on Deshaun” as Miami continues to construct round quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Even when a commerce doesn’t happen earlier than Wednesday, the Texans will probably wish to get a deal accomplished previous to the NFL draft (April 28-30) to allow them to obtain 2022 picks.

One of many causes buying and selling for Watson was so engaging when he first made the request was due to his low-cost wage on the time. However below the extension he signed with the Texans, his base wage jumps to $35 million in 2022, with a $35 million cap hit.

The next 12 months, Watson might be owed a $20 million base wage and a $17 million roster bonus ($37 million cap hit), and his contract will lead to cap hits of $32 million in 2024 and 2025. There isn’t any assured cash on the deal after the 2022 season.

The Texans will tackle $16.2 million (his signing bonus unfold over three years) of useless cash in the event that they commerce Watson earlier than June 1.