Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will face a civil trial on February 18, 2026, in connection with the sole remaining active lawsuit stemming from over two dozen accusations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.

According to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer, the case — filed in October 2022 — is the only lawsuit not filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the other 26 plaintiffs. The plaintiff in this case alleges that Watson pressured her into performing oral sex during a December 2020 massage appointment. Watson has denied the allegation through his attorney Rusty Hardin, calling the case a “sham” and maintaining Watson’s innocence.

“He really has not done what they alleged he did,” Hardin said. “I think a jury will agree with us… It’s just so sad he has to live with this five years later.”

Legal Background and NFL Implications

Of the 27 total civil lawsuits filed against Watson:

• 24 were settled

• 1 was voluntarily withdrawn

• 1 remains dormant

• 1 (this one) is heading to trial

This lawsuit was filed after Watson’s 11-game NFL suspension in August 2022, which was imposed under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. Should new evidence emerge during the trial, the NFL reserves the right to reopen its investigation.

Contract Status and Injury Concerns

Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed contract with the Browns through 2026, is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after suffering two Achilles tendon tears in 2024 — one during a game and another during rehab.

His return timeline remains uncertain. If he regains health and chooses to play, the Browns will need to decide between activating him on the 53-man roster or releasing him outright — a decision complicated by both financial and legal factors.

🔍 What’s Next

• The trial is set for February 18, 2026

• The NFL could reinvestigate or penalize Watson based on new findings

• Watson’s future with the Browns remains clouded by injury and legal pressure