Thursday morning, news broke that the NFL and NFLPA had agreed to a settlement in the Deshaun Watson case. The sides agreed that embattled Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would be suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million. After that came out, the NFL and Roger Goodell released it's statement on the matter.

Part of the statement read: “Deshaun Watson has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL.. This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Sue L. Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion.”

The statement also talked about how the money from Watson's fine and contributions from the NFL will go toward non-profit organizations that educate young people on healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors and related causes. That will be in excess of $7 million.

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Featured image Deion Sanders Shedeur Sanders
Deion Sanders ‘hurt’ by negative Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ draft perceptionDylan Fine ·
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski (center), Browns lineman Zak Zinter (left) and Pittsburgh safety Donovan McMillon (right)
3 Cleveland Browns hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Browns first-round OL makes big decision on 2025 campaignDouglas Fritz ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to the play calling on the sideline during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders blasts negative pre-draft rumors around Shedeur SandersPreston Byers ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett gestures to rookie Shedeur Sanders during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Browns rumors: This Cleveland QB predicted to be traded before training camp, per NFL insiderZachary Weinberger ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Shedeur Sanders gets ‘elite’ evaluation from Browns reporterRichard Pereira ·

That is likely the only good thing to come out of the Watson saga.

While the league claimed Watson is ‘doing the hard work on himself,' Watson clearly saw it another way.

“I've always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone,” Watson said at his news conference. The Browns QB continued to state over and over how he believes he is innocent. It certainly does not sound like someone who is working on an issue they have through counseling, as Goodell outlined.