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A grand jury has declined to indict Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of harassment and sexual assault.

A grand jury in Harris County returned nine no bills on the nine criminal complaints presented to it. As a result, the criminal proceedings in Harris County have concluded, according to prosecutor Johna Stallings.

"Today we presented nine criminal complaints for consideration by the grand jury. Beginning at 9 o'clock this morning, we presented evidence for over six hours for the grand jury to consider, as well as having witnesses available for those persons to testify in front of the grand jury," said Stallings, of the division chief of adult sex crimes and trafficking at the Harris County District attorney's office. "And the grand jury considered all of that evidence and returned nine no bills against Deshaun Watson involving these nine criminal complaints. We respect the grand jury's decision and. ... Conclude the criminal proceedings in Harris County."

As Profootballtalk.com's Michael David Smith notes, the grand jury’s decision not to indict Watson doesn’t necessarily mean he couldn’t lose civil lawsuits brought by several massage therapists, and doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be suspended by the NFL.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy offered the response to the news: "We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”

Still, this decision puts the most serious potential problems for Watson in his rear-view mirror.

Watson did not play at all last year, as he refused to play for the Texans and wanted to be traded, but teams were hesitant to trade for him when he was in potential legal jeopardy. But now it seems likely that he will be traded, according to ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop, perhaps as soon as the start of the league year on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Watson did not play at all in 2021 but was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when he last did play. In 2020 he led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards and an average of 8.9 yards per pass.

Although Watson has not played for the Texans since the first lawsuit was filed on March 16, 2020, he was on the active roster during the 2021 season and was a healthy scratch for all 17 games. He was paid his entire $10.54 million base salary. Last year, Hardin said he didn't expect Watson to speak with the NFL's investigative team until the criminal investigation had concluded.

In January 2021, Watson asked the Texans to trade him because he was unhappy about the future direction of the franchise.

While members of the Texans' organization have declined to comment specifically on Watson's legal situation, general manager Nick Caserio said earlier this month that the team is "day to day in terms of handling" Watson's situation. Last week head coach Lovie Smith said the Texans are hoping for "a prompt resolution" to Watson's future with the team.

Expect that to come soon enough.

Among the potential suitors?

Anybody and everybody with a need at the position. And some who don't necessarily have a need.

The list includes (but isn't limited to) Carolina, Tampa Bay, Seattle and Pittsburgh. Don't discount the notion others will get involved -- even with potential league discipline a factor.