For Deshaun Watson, problems aren’t getting over. This season didn’t start on a high note. After losing their season opener against the Cowboys, the Browns felt dejected. But their quarterback was embroiled in a controversy. The issue was the same, s—– assault. Reactions from fans were contrary and divisive. Now, after 5 weeks, he again found himself at the center of criticism.

Ex-Cowboys player Chris Canty attacked the QB in the recent episode of ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike Radio and said, “Nobody thought Deshaun Watson was going to be this bad. You had back-to-back losses and in the final possession of your team, you take a sack on your 4th down & a 1-score game.” He also recalled his shoving contest with Commanders‘ rookie CB, Mike Sainristil. Things are going downhill for the Browns. This reality check might open their eyes, particularly Watson’s.

Canty isn’t the only one. A few analysts are demanding his arrest. After that 13-34 loss to the Commanders, Stephen A. Smith had a pretty mean comment for the QB that read, “Deshaun Watson is awful. It’s so awful that if somebody wanted to arrest him for being awful, I would accept it.” The criticism is coming in from all corners. After 5 weeks, they have won one and lost 4.

The team is in an existential crisis. 2 years back in 2022, they signed a 5-year $230 million contract with the quarterback. Now, there are talks about not having enough purse to secure a rookie quarterback. And they can’t blame anyone else. The team was aware of the QB’s legal troubles when they signed the contract.

Rumors claim the Browns might void Watson’s contract. But with the recent development, they might not.

Can the Browns void their contract with Deshaun Watson?

Last month, when the lawsuit was filed against the QB, an NFL rule went viral. It claimed that the Browns could plan an escape route from his contract. It all happened while restructuring the deal. The rule stated that they could void his guaranteed money if the NFL suspended him.

But alas, nothing of that sort is happening. The last 24 hours might have brought relief for Deshaun Watson. The victim’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, revealed that the case has been resolved in a ‘confidential‘ manner. Rusty Hardin, QB’s attorney, also confirmed the development that the case is now a thing of the past.

It means that he can still have his full money. The ‘confidential’ manner ensures that the league never investigated the charge. And it wasn’t involved in the matter at all. This also brings much-needed confidence to the locker room. HC Kevin Stefanski has clearly said that the team is not going to change their quarterback.

Will the Browns come back? It wouldn’t be easy for Deshaun Watson. The distractions have pulled him too behind.