There were reportedly "multiple" NFL owners who did not want Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suspended for the 2022 season.
Peter King of NBC Sports spoke to one team executive who feels the owners reached out to commissioner Roger Goodell to express their desire for Watson to play this season.
The reasoning was reportedly strategic, rather than any stance on the morals of the issue. By suspending Watson for 11 games, the NFL prevented the Browns from being able to toll Watson's contract over to the 2022 season.
Watson carries a cap hit of only $9.