NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson says he's settled 20 of 24 sexual assault lawsuits

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has settled 20 out of the 24 remaining sexual assault lawsuits that were brought against him last year, his lawyer said Tuesday.

“The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won't comment further on the settlements or those cases” attorneyTony Buzbee said in a statement. 

The recently acquired Browns quarterback had been accused of sexual misconduct during numerous massage sessions around the Houston area. 

After holding out for the entire 2021 season, Watson was traded from the Texans to the Browns earlier this offseason for three first round picks. He received a new. five-year, $230 million deal upon signing.

Two separate grand juries in Texas earlier this year declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson. He is still subject to an ongoing NFL investigation to determine whether his actions violated the league’s personal conduct policy. 

"Today's development has no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week that the league was nearing the end of its investigation, but did not give a timeline for the release of their decision on a suspension.