The -game penalty was the result of a settlement that involved representatives from Watson’s legal team and the players’ union, and required Watson to undergo evaluation by behavioral experts, followed by a treatment program. His fine, as well as $ million each from the league and his team, the Cleveland Browns, was to be given to groups that work to prevent sexual assault.

It was the first player disciplinary decision to be handled by the arbitration process established by the collective bargaining agreement and it bridged a wide gap between the penalty either side had sought. The N.F.L. had recommended that Watson be suspended indefinitely and that he have to wait at least a full season to apply for reinstatement, while the union and Watson’s representatives had argued for a lesser penalty.

The Browns anticipated Watson would be suspended for at least a part of the season and structured his contract accordingly. He will receive $ million over five years, the most guaranteed money in league history, with most of his compensation for this year paid in a nearly $ million signing bonus. The pay docked on a per-game basis because of the suspension cost Watson $, of his $. million base salary this season.

Under the terms of his disciplinary settlement with the N.F.L., Watson cannot be subject to further discipline for accusations of misconduct that are the same or substantially similar to what he has already been penalized for and that occurred before his discipline was imposed in August. He could be subject to new penalties for a new incident or an accusation involving use or threat of physical force, a weapon or that results in a criminal charge.

The Houston Police Department began an investigation after a complainant filed a report against Watson. In March, a grand jury in Harris County, which includes Houston, declined to bring charges against him on any of nine criminal complaints.

“We respect the grand jury’s decision,” said Johna Stallings, division chief of the adult sex crimes and human trafficking unit at the Harris County district attorney’s office. “We will conclude the criminal proceedings in Harris County.”

Two weeks later, another grand jury, this time in Brazoria County, Texas, south of Houston, declined to indict Watson on charges of sexual misconduct during a massage therapy session. It was the last known criminal case against him.