Source: Browns QB Watson OK with 8-game suspension

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would accept an eightgame suspension and $5 million fine to avoid missing the entire season, a person familiar with his defense told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Watson, who is facing a potential year-long ban for sexual misconduct, would agree to a lesser penalty in a settlement, said the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

The biggest question is whether the NFL would make this compromise. A settlement has always been possible, but it’s not clear if the sides are in active discussions.

The league is seeking a minimum suspension of 17 games, a significant fine over $5 million and wants Watson to be required to undergo evaluation and treatment as determined by medical experts before he could be reinstated.

An independent arbitrator suspended Watson, accused of lewd sexual behavior during massage appointments with two dozen women while he played for the Houston Texans, six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy on Aug. 1.

The league felt the punishment wasn’t enough and appealed retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson’s ruling two days later.

Watson’s case now rests with Peter C. Harvey, a former New Jersey Attorney General appointed last week by Goodell to handle the league’s appeal. Harvey’s decision could come at any time.

JETS SIGN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN BROWN » The New York Jets and offensive tackle Duane Brown agreed to terms on a twoyear contract, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The move came three days after the Jets learned they likely lost Mekhi Becton for the season because of a knee injury suffered in practice.

NFL Network reported the deal is worth $22 million.

Brown, who turns 37 on Aug. 30, made his fifth Pro Bowl appearance last season with the Seattle Seahawks.

BRADY EXCUSED FROM TRAINING CAMP FOR PERSONAL REASONS » Tom Brady was excused from training camp, the first day of what Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said was a planned, 11-day absence from the team to address “personal things.” Bowles said the 45-year-old quarterback’s break from practice was arranged before camp began, adding that Brady won’t return until after the Bucs’ preseason game at Tennessee on Aug. 20.

COUSINS MISSES PRACTICE

WITH ILLNESS » Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was absent from practice because of an illness, coach Kevin O’connell said. Cousins was sent home after reporting he wasn’t feeling well. O’connell did not specify the symptoms. He confirmed the Vikings were evaluating Cousins for COVID-19.

MAHOMES TO START PRESEASON OPENER » Patrick Mahomes will start the Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason opener in Chicago on Saturday, bucking a trend across the NFL of coaches sitting their starting quarterbacks for the first of their three exhibition games. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he would stick to his usual routine of having each of the four quarterbacks in camp play for a quarter of the preseason opener.

TRUBISKY TO START PRESEASON OPENER FOR STEELERS » Mitch Trubisky will have the first in-game opportunity to state his case at becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback. Coach Mike Tomlin announced Trubisky as the starter for the preseason opener Saturday at home against Seattle. Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, is in a battle with veteran holdover Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round selection in 2022.

ALSO » Tyler Huntley went 16 of 18 for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first half as Baltimore extended its record streak of preseason victories to 21 with a 2310 win over Tennessee . ... Graham Gano hit a 24yard field goal as time expired, Daniel Jones was solid in limited work and the New York Giants beat New England 23-21 . ... Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus said wide receiver N’keal Harry had ankle surgery and did not give a timetable for his return. ... Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold will each play one series at quarterback Saturday when Carolina faces Washington Commanders in its preseason opener, according to coach Matt Rhule . ... Tight end Adam Shaheen is back with the Miami Dolphins after his trade to the Houston Texans was called off because he failed a physical, a person with knowledge of the situation said . ... James White, who scored the game-winning touchdown in the New England Patriots’ historic comeback win over Atlanta in Super Bowl LI, announced his retirement. White won three Super Bowls in eight seasons — all with the Patriots. ... Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch was asleep and smelled of alcohol when Las Vegas police found him in his damaged sports car and arrested him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to an arrest report made public.