QB Watson accused of sexual misconduct
Less than 24 hours after a female massage therapist filed a lawsuit accusing Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct, a second woman filed a lawsuit with similar claims.
The second lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday, claims that Watson exposed himself to the unnamed woman — a masseuse who lives in Atlanta — during a massage session on Aug. 28. Both women are represented by the same Houston-based attorney and former Houston mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee.
Watson issued a statement on social media Tuesday night in response to the first lawsuit, claiming in part that Buzbee had made a “baseless six-figure settlement demand” prior to filing the court records. The 25-year-old quarterback also denied wrongdoing and said he looked forward to “clearing my name.”
“I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect,” Watson wrote in the statement.
Buzbee, the massage therapists’ attorney, wrote on Instagram that he plans to file two additional lawsuits against Watson.
The NFL and the Texans said they were aware of the civil litigation filed against Watson but declined comment.
Williams highest-paid OL in NFL history
The 49ers agreed to give star left tackle Trent Williams the richest contract ever for an offensive lineman.
The deal will pay Williams $138.1 million over the next six years, surpassing the $138 million deal David Bakhtiari got from the Packers last season. Williams also will get the biggest signing bonus ever for an offensive lineman at $30.1 million, as well as $55.1 million guaranteed.
CB Peterson signs with Vikings
Perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson reportedly agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings.
The 30-year-old Peterson leaves the Cardinals as one of the best cornerbacks in franchise history.
He went to eight consecutive Pro Bowls, starting with his rookie year in 2011 and ending in 2019 — when he was ineligible because he was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Peterson is a three-time All-Pro.
Veteran WR Green signing with Cardinals
Veteran receiver A.J. Green, one of the most prolific players in Bengals’ franchise history, agreed to a one-year deal with the Cardinals that is worth up to $8.5 million and includes $6 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN.
The Cardinals also acquired Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson from the Raiders along with a 2021 seventh-round pick for a 2021 third-round pick.
This and that
Former Panthers receiver Curtis Samuel is signing a three-year, $34.5 million deal with the Washington Football Team. Washington also signed former Bengals cornerback William Jackson to a three year, $42 million contract with $26 million guaranteed.
The Colts reportedly are re-signing running back Marlon Mack to a one-year, $2 million extension.
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is headed back to the Patriots on a two-year deal worth up to $13.2 million.
The Eagles released former Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery.