If I were a Browns fan I would be prepared to not see Watson this year. Browns already signed another QB, so they have three that can play now even if Watson is suspended for the year and they pay Baker to sit at home. Baker has the cards now. He’s already moved on from Cleveland. Has said he won’t play for them, moved his football camp back to Oklahoma and I believe has already moved from his residence. So CLE better hope CAR or SEA bends over and trade for him, otherwise they are eating Baker‘s cap hit while he’s getting healthy in another state and improving his image (being the jilted QB, I might add).
Here is the main reason, why I wouldn't expect Watson to play this year; while the Browns FO and Haslam can all say they diligently researched the man, and says they feel confident in their decision, the fact is they didn’t do jack in investigating what happened. They interviewed none of the accusers, only held talks with Deshawn and his representation. However, the NFL is performing an in-depth investigation on the occurrences, INCLUDING speaking with already some of the accusers. They are not finished yet, but some are reporting Watson‘s claims of consensual acts are not what he interprets it to be. The league isn’t reviewing his situation as a crime, because he hasn’t been charged with one. What they are looking into very hard is the the NFL Shield personal conduct policy, which includes a morale clause. Watson being a QB, would be subject to more scrutiny than others.
