What’s next for Deshaun Watson, the Texan now that he won’t face criminal charges? – Texans blog in Houston

HOUSTON – On Friday afternoon, a Harris County, Texas prosecutor announced that Houston Texas midfielder Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges Following a police investigation filed by 22 women, who accused him of inappropriate conduct and sexual assault.

In a statement following the announcement, Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said, “Now that the criminal investigations are complete, we are pleased to continue with the filing of the case. We will vigorously defend those cases little by little.”

The civil cases that Hardin references are 22 lawsuits was filed against Watson, with charges including sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions.

The first lawsuit was filed on March 16, 2021.

The civil cases are not related to the ruling Watson received on Friday. He sat in two depositions for civil cases on Friday, where he invoked his Fifth Amendment right to resist self-incrimination because the criminal investigation was not over at the time. .

Here’s a look at what’s next for Watson and Texas:

What is the deadline for lawsuits?

These lawsuits can be resolved at any time that both parties agree, but if there aren’t any, a pre-trial meeting will be scheduled for early May, according to court documents judgment.

How does this affect his NFL future?

Last year, Hardin said he didn’t expect Watson to speak to the NFL’s investigative team until the criminal investigation is complete. Now that it’s over, Watson is scheduled to be interviewed by the federation.

A spokesman for the NFL, which is investigating Watson under its personal conduct policy, said in a statement Friday, “We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter. “

Can Watson still be suspended?

While the league’s investigation – and Watson’s interview – will likely play a key role in whether the quarterback is disciplined by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, it remains to be seen whether Watson will suspended or not.

Last season, while the criminal investigation was underway, Goodell decided not to restrict Watson from participating in team activities, allowing him to report to training camp and participate in practice. While Watson did participate in some personal representation during camp, he did not participate in team drills.

Watson remained on the Texas active roster – receiving his $10.54 million base salary – all season, listed as a healthy scratch for all 17 games.

What did the Texans have to say about this?

Members of the organization declined to comment specifically on Watson’s legal situation. However, general manager Nick Caserio said this month at the combined NFL that the team is “day by day dealing with” Watson’s situation.

The next day, coach Lovie Smith said the Texans were hoping for “a quick resolution” to Watson’s future with the team.

What does this mean for a transaction?

The Texans can agree to trade for Watson at any time, but it can’t be official until the new tournament year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Houston opened the trade for Watson, who asked to move in January 2021 after he decided he was unhappy with the direction of the franchise. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, more teams are expected to be interested.

However, Watson has a no-trade clause in the four-year, $156 million contract he signed in September 2020. Watson previously agreed to waive that provision only for Miami Dolphinswho managed to win the quarterback before the November trade deadline. Last week, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said “the door is closed for Deshaun” as Miami continues to build around the zone. midfielder Tagovailoa.

Even if the transaction doesn’t happen by Wednesday, Texans will likely want to complete a transaction before NFL Draft (April 28-30) so they can get 2022 picks.

One of the reasons why it was so tempting to trade for Watson when he first made the request was because his salary was so cheap at the time. But under the extension he signed with Texas, his base salary will increase to $35 million by 2022, with a $35 million cap.

Next year, Watson will have to pay a $20 million base salary and a $17 million roster bonus (hits a $37 million cap) and his contract will lead to a $32 million cap. in 2024 and 2025. There is no guarantee for this sale after the 2022 season.

The Texans will receive $16.2 million (his signing bonus spans three years) in dead money if they trade Watson before June 1.