CLEVELAND — The number of women who have accused Deshaun Watson in court filings of sexual misconduct is now up to 27.
The number of games he has started for the Cleveland Browns since they acquired him — and guaranteed him $230 million — is 13.
We are early into the third year of Watson’s five-year contract, and the trade has been a disaster. Even by the Browns’ standards, this one makes drafting Johnny Manziel look like a wise investment.
I write that with a sense of embarrassment and accountability. I understood why the Browns pursued him. They had a roster ready to win and a quarterback who was good but not great. They were on a tight contention window with some of their best players in their prime and they were trying to improve quickly at the most important position. Watson’s performance as a member of the Houston Texans certainly appeared to be an upgrade over Baker Mayfield.
But another woman has come forward this week with more heinous, vile accusations against Watson.
The Browns need an exit strategy.
And they need to sit him until they have one.
Watson has maintained his innocence through all of this and did so again Wednesday both publicly and through a statement released by his attorney, Rusty Hardin. He insists he’s done nothing wrong — even…
