NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL have appealed Deshaun Watson’s initial six-game suspension and are reportedly aiming at giving Watson a full-season suspension.
On Thursday, The AP’s Rob Maaddi reported that Watson is willing to settle for an 8-game suspension and a $5 million fine.
“I’m told Deshaun Watson would accept an 8-game suspension and $5 million fine in a settlement. Of course, league wants at least 17 games, significant fine over $5 million & evaluation for treatment. So this would be a significant compromise. But it would end it.”
I’m told Deshaun Watson would accept an 8-game suspension and $5 million fine in a settlement. Of course, league wants at least 17 games, significant fine over $5 million & evaluation for treatment. So this would be a significant compromise. But it would end it.
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) August 11, 2022
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio is now reporting that he’s hearing a settlement between Watson and the NFL “isn’t out of the question.”
Settlement of the Deshaun Watson situation is not out of the question, I’m told. Stay tuned.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 12, 2022
As the clock ticks toward a resolution of the appeal of the six-game Deshaun Watson suspension, a settlement remains possible.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, an agreed resolution between the NFL and the NFL Players Association could still happen. Last night, the Associated Press reported that Watson would be willing to serve an eight-suspension and pay a $5 million fine.
According to reports, the NFL had previously offered Watson a 12-game suspension and $8 million fine but Watson turned it down.
Per sources, Deshaun Watson and the NFL did engage in further settlement talks in recent days, but neither side felt they got close. The best Watson’s side indicated it would accept was 6-8 games. Best league indicated it was willing to do was 12 games + heavy fine $8 mil range).
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 1, 2022