What’s subsequent for Deshane Watson, Texas after no felony fees had been discovered?

HOUSTON — On Friday afternoon, the Harris County, Texas, legal professional normal introduced that Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson won’t face felony fees after a police investigation sparked by lawsuits introduced by 22 girls who accused him of inappropriate conduct and sexual assault.

In a press release after the announcement, Watson’s legal professional, Rusty Harden, mentioned, “Now that the felony investigations are full, we’re happy to maneuver ahead with the civil case affidavits. We are going to vigorously defend these instances with each ounce now we have.”

The civil instances Harden referred to are 22 lawsuits filed in opposition to Watson, with fees together with sexual assault and indecent conduct throughout therapeutic massage periods.

The primary of these lawsuits was filed on March 16, 2023.

The civil instances don’t have anything to do with the decision obtained by Watson on Friday. He attended two hearings of civil instances Friday, wherein he invoked his Fifth Modification proper in opposition to self-incrimination as a result of the felony investigation was not completed at the moment.

This is a take a look at what’s subsequent for Watson and Texans:

What’s the timeline for lawsuits?

These lawsuits may be settled anytime the events agree, but when not one of the points are settled, a pre-trial listening to is scheduled for early Might, in keeping with court docket paperwork.

How does this have an effect on his future within the NFL?

Final yr, Hardin mentioned he didn’t anticipate Watson to talk to the NFL investigation crew till the felony investigation was accomplished. Now that it is over, Watson is predicted to be interviewed by the league.

“We’ve got been intently monitoring all developments on this matter,” a spokesperson for the NFL, which is investigating Watson beneath its private conduct coverage, mentioned in a press release Friday.

May Watson stay suspended?

Whereas the league investigation – and the Watson interview – will possible play a big function in whether or not the quarterback was disciplined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, it stays to be seen whether or not Watson is pending.

Final season, because the felony investigation continued, Goodell selected to not limit Watson from taking part in crew actions, permitting him to report back to coaching camp and take part in observe. Whereas Watson did take part in some solo reps throughout camp, he didn’t take part in crew rehearsals.

Watson has remained on the energetic roster in Texas – the place he amassed his $10.54 million base wage – all season, listed as a wholesome scratch for all 17 video games.

What did Texas say about this?

Members of the group declined to remark particularly on Watson’s authorized standing. Nonetheless, this month within the NFL Basic Supervisor Nick Caserio mentioned the crew is “working day-to-day by way of dealing” with Watson’s state of affairs.

The following day, coach Luffy Smith mentioned the Texans hoped for a “fast repair” to Watson’s future with the crew.

What does this imply for commerce?

Texans can conform to a deal for Watson at any time, however it may well’t be made official till the league’s new yr begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Houston is open to commerce with Watson, who requested a transfer in January 2023 after deciding he was sad with the course of the franchise. In line 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 beforehand agreed to waive that clause solely to the Miami Dolphins, who tried to get the quarterback earlier than the November commerce deadline. . Final week, Dolphins normal supervisor Chris Greer mentioned, “The door is closed at Deshaun” as Miami continues to construct round central Tua Tagovailoa.

Even when a deal is not made earlier than Wednesday, the Texans will possible desire a deal earlier than the NFL draft (April 28-30) to allow them to get the 2023 picks.

One of many the reason why buying and selling with Watson was so enticing when he first utilized was due to his low-cost wage on the time. However beneath the extension he signed with Texas, his base wage jumped to $35 million in 2023, with a ceiling of $35 million.

The next yr, Watson would owe a base wage of $20 million and an excellent bonus of $17 million ($37 million max), and his contract would lead to a most of $32 million in 2024 and 2025. No cash is assured within the deal after the 2023 season. .

Texans will get $16.2 million (signing bonus over three years) in lifeless cash in the event that they commerce Watson earlier than June 1.