What’s next for Deshaun Watson, Texans now that he won’t face criminal charges? – Houston Texans Blog

HOUSTON — On Friday afternoon, a Harris County, Texas, prosecutor announced that Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault.

In a statement after the announcement was made, Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said, “Now that the criminal investigations have been completed, we are happy to move forward with the civil case depositions. We will vigorously defend those cases with every ounce we have.”

The civil cases Hardin referenced are the 22 lawsuits that were filed against Watson, with accusations including sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.

The first of those lawsuits was filed March 16, 2021.

The civil cases are unrelated to the ruling Watson received Friday. He did sit for two sessions of depositions for the civil cases Friday, where he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination because the criminal investigation had not concluded at the time.

Here is a look at what’s next for Watson and the Texans:

What is the timeline for the lawsuits?

These lawsuits can be settled at any time both parties agree, but if any of the cases are not, a pretrial conference is scheduled for early May, according to court documents.

How does this affect his NFL future?

Last year, Hardin said he didn’t expect Watson to speak to the NFL’s investigative team until the criminal investigation was complete. Now that it has concluded, Watson is expected to be interviewed by the league.

A spokesman for the NFL, which is investigating Watson under its personal conduct policy, said in a statement Friday, “We have been closely monitoring all…