Deshaun Watson is in a ‘different space’ and ‘really good place’ as he prepares for a full season with the Cleveland Browns after reaching settlements on 23 sexual misconduct lawsuits

Cleveland Browns three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson is entering training camp this year in a “different room” and “in a really good place,” according to both himself and general manager Andrew Berry.

“I think this is going to be an important year for him, both professionally and personally,” said Berry.

“We think he’s in great shape physically. He’s really good on the field. And I love what he’s done off the field. So excited about him.’

Watson began last season with an 11-game suspension due to the NFL’s personal conduct policy after being accused of sexual misconduct or assault during massage sessions by more than 20 women.

Two separate Texas grand juries decided not to indict Watson after the unproven allegations, and he has since agreed to settle 23 of the lawsuits.

Watson himself also stated that he is in a “different space” compared to last year’s off-season

He is preparing for his first full season in over two years due to allegations of sexual misconduct

Along with the suspension, Watson also had to pay a $5 million fine and undergo a mandatory treatment program before being reinstated from his suspension.

Upon his return, he started the last six games of the season for Cleveland, and it was clear from his performance that he was rusty after being forced to go 700 days between his last start for the Houston Texans and his debut for the Browns as a result of the allegations.

Over the six games, the Browns went 3–3 and Watson recorded 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also had a 38.3 QBR that ranked 27th in the league.

Last playing for the Texans during the 2020-21 season, Watson had 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, seven interceptions, as he continued to rise as one of the league’s top QBs.

Of the “other space” he’s in this year, Watson said, “Feel really good, feel really good, comfortable around the guys, the locker room, the coaching staff, the organization and just the city of Cleveland.”

“So having the chance to go into the season with a full off-season, locked in, focused, definitely feels good, and I want to continue channeling and nurturing all that energy and positive energy that’s been spread across this organization.”

Watson also indicated that the suspension and the whole situation has changed him, but he did not specify in what way or ways.

Watson was acquired from the Browns in March 2022 in a huge trade deal with Houston

Watson was one of the league’s top QBs before his time in Houston ended and he was traded

“The whole situation has changed me,” he said. “In a situation where I just had to shut myself off, channel and really know who I surround myself with and just really who will be there and support me even when I’m at my lowest point and the past few years have definitely been my lowest point of my life.”

“But that’s part of life. I just grow from it, I learn from it. I keep moving forward and moving forward and keep showing my real character, my real personality and who I am.”

In terms of his teammates, Watson said he addressed the team and shared details of his personal life that are not known to the large segments of the public.

“Things that people don’t really get to hear,” he said. ‘Especially last year it was the media that directed and told something different. … [my story] is a bit overshadowed.’