Watson down to 2 teams

NFL Network reports that the Panthers have been told they're out of the running for QB Deshaun Watson. With the Browns also out, the race is now reportedly down to the Falcons and Saints. We'll be watching for the final decision -- and any ensuing moves.

Following a settlement between the Browns and the league, QB Deshaun Watson will be suspended 11 games. He’ll pay a $5 million fine and be required to enter a treatment program. Watson’s now scheduled to make his Browns debut in Week 13… at Houston. The 11-game suspension makes Watson undraftable outside of deep 2-QB leagues and maybe as a last-round pick in best-ball tournaments. The fantasy values of guys like Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper and David Njoku also take a hit with the news. We'll see if Cleveland makes a move for QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

The NFL Players' Association and the NFL are working on a settlement agreement in the Deshaun Watson case, according to insider Aaron Wilson. "Sources expressed optimism that a deal will get worked out," Wilson writes. A settlement would very likely result in something in between Watson's current 6-game suspension and the full-season ban the league has been pushing for. Stay tuned.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has proposed an 8-game suspension and $5 million fine, according to the Associated Press. The league has reportedly been pushing for a full-season ban. It's unclear if the sides are in settlement talks. We'll continue to keep you updated on the situation and will hopefully have a final outcome soon.

The Browns announced this week that QB Deshaun Watson will start Friday night's exhibition opener against the Jaguars. The pending status of his suspension has no bearing here, since that will apply to regular-season games.

Insider Albert Breer's "guess" is that the NFL's appeal of Deshaun Watson's suspension will result in a 10- or 12-game suspension. "I think it’s fair to guess that [Peter C.] Harvey will extend [the suspension]," Breer writes. "I don’t think the league would go to the trouble of filing the appeal if there weren’t real plans to extend the suspension." Breer believes we'll get a decision from Harvey by August 19.