UNDATED (AP) — Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sued by four more women who accuse him of sexual assault and harassments.
The lawsuits were filed Thursday night, hours after the NFL said it was investigating earlier allegations by three massage therapists who said the quarterback sexually assaulted them during massages.
Watson has broadly denied that he acted inappropriately and said in a Tuesday statement that he looks forward to clearing his name. His attorney and agent have not responded to subsequent requests for comment.
In other NFL news:
— Free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster surprisingly has opted to return to the Steelers, just days after strongly hinting that his departure on the open market was imminent. The deal coincides with what could be quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s final season. Smith-Schuster became a sure-handed option in Pittsburgh’s short-passing game last season, hauling in 97 passes for 831 yards and nine scores.
— Justin Simmons became the highest-paid safety in the NFL when he agreed to a four-year, $61 million contract with the Broncos, who had franchised him for a second consecutive season. The deal includes $35 million in guarantees and averages $15.25 million, making Simmons the first safety to break the $15 million mark.
— Linebacker Anthony Walker has agreed to sign a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Browns, who have improved their secondary, pass rush and linebacking group this week in free agency. The 25-year-old Walker started 46 games at inside linebacker over the past three seasons with the Colts. He had 92 tackles and an interception last season.
— David Andrews says he’s staying in New England, confirming on social media that he is returning to the only NFL team he’s played for. The NFL Network says he took a four-year deal from the Patriots.
