If I were the league, I would punish Watson but give the Browns a bit of a break. First, I would negotiate the punishment with Watson (this is already being done) with the understanding that he will not appeal the punishment (or if he does, it won't be reduced). I would suspend him 8-10 games in both 2022 and 2023. Make clear that, with no more cases or other malfeasance, this suspension could be reduced by a few games at the Commissioner's discretion. This would allow Watson to still play roughly half a season in both years so if the Browns are close to a playoff spot, the Browns would have Watson for the stretch run and the playoffs both years (thus the break for the Browns). Also be very clear that the big discount in his contract for 2022 ONLY applies to 2022 and that he cannot have his pay shifted to reduce the amount of fine Watson will have to pay for games missed in 2023.
I miss the old Mile High Stadium.