If the Texans are serious about unloading Deshaun Watson before this year’s trade deadline, they may be down to one interested suitor. The Dolphins appear to be bidding against themselves for the embattled quarterback, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports notes.
In addition to Watson’s off-field trouble, his no-trade clause limits the Texans. Watson is not believed to be interested in being dealt to Philadelphia, Jones adds, while Carolina’s interest cooled months ago. Indeed, the Texans’ conversations with the Panthers did not get far, Joe Person of The Athletic notes (subscription required).
[RELATED: Dolphins, Texans Talking Watson Trade]
The Panthers were perhaps the most interested Watson suitor before his off-field issues surfaced. Once the 22 accusations of sexual assault and/or sexual misconduct became tied to his future, the Dolphins have been the only team connected. Despite Brian Flores continuing to indicate confidence in Tua Tagovailoa, owner Stephen Ross‘ interest in Watson has complicated Miami’s quarterback situation. If Watson is to be dealt before this year’s Nov. 2 deadline, the Ross component would seemingly be what drives such a transaction.
The Carolina and Philadelphia conversations getting out this week may be a last-ditch Houston effort to push Miami to up its offer. The Texans set a historically high asking price for their talented quarterback — three first-rounders and two seconds. But with the Dolphins being the lone team expressing true interest, that stands to drive down the price. That is, unless the Texans are willing to table a trade until 2022.
It would seem that is Houston’s best chance at receiving full value for Watson, whose off-field troubles obviously have a better chance of being resolved by next season. The Texans have deactivated Watson for six games. Doing so for 11 more, thus erasing the QB’s age-26 season, and regrouping for a 2022 sweepstakes — when more teams figure to be in the mix — would make sense. The Texans having that card to play could induce the Dolphins to increase their offer now.
If the Dolphins are to acquire Watson now, the NFL may be forced to act regarding the commissioner’s exempt list. While the 81-year-old Ross is believed to be in win-now mode, the Dolphins — at 1-5 — are unlikely to contend this season. A move before Nov. 2 may be about landing Watson for 2022 and beyond, Jones offers, though a suspension next season likely looms.
Legit question:
Would you rather have your team try to acquire Watson or Rodgers?
Rodgers doesn’t have many years left but is still playing great and has a perceived attitude of not caring if he retires early or not.
Watson hasn’t won in the NFL but is young and seems to be a stud on the field but has this nasty umbrella hanging over him (the accusations)
Watson
Neither. This team isn’t ready to compete, with or without Watson or Rodgers. Giving up draft capital to obtain either will hamper their ability to build through the draft.
Spot on. The Dolphins got lucky when Watson got hit with these accusations before they could make a move they couldn’t take back. The Dolphins still have some holes they need to address before they sell out for a single player to put them over the top. Granted Watson or Rodgers could mask some of these problems but they need to develop their O-line and running game to the point that they can remain competitive even if their QB isn’t All-Pro.
I guess I would say Rodgers since he likely won’t be the one going to jail.
Dark horse Watson to the Browns.
Watson for Baker, OBJ and a first
Cleveland really can’t depend on Baker. He’s not good enough, he’s not dependable, and he’s not mature enough. Browns have a team capable of winning a super bowl being let down by the most important position on the field.
In that case, why should Houston make that trade? They have no use for Beckham and if Baker can’t lead the Browns, why would he be any better for the Texans?
No use for Beckham, they have Brandon Cooks and 5 lawn chairs out their as targets man. OBJ and Cooks is a dynamic duo.
Personally I just can’t stand Baker and don’t really have anything good to say about him but I’m sure he can’t actually be that bad. He is only 26 and from Texas so he may want to go there and turn them around.
The point being, Beckham is not going to be elite by the time Houston is ready to compete again, so he’s more or less a useless asset from the Texans’ standpoint.
If Watson isn’t imprisoned, Houston can do better than this trade. They need a full rebuild
Lol…not good enough….first QB to win a playoff game for that franchise in 2 decades or so.
Not dependable….just missed his first game in 4 years because his arm is falling off. No one plays more hurt than him.
Maturity….clown comment. Especially on a team with Garrett and OBJ…..
Baker is the best QB that franchise has had since Kosar. Not sure why they’d want to move on from him.
not to disagree with your overall point, but if he plays couldnt you say the same thing about Watson?
Browns have only been the playoffs twice since 1995 so it’s a rather who cares point that he has won 1 game. Tebow also has a playoff win.
No dependable I mean to win you games. Yes he’s usually good health wise but that’s not what I meant.
Maturity from your QB means a lot
He may be the best QB they have had but he’s also not even close to a top 10 QB in the league and that’s what you need to win the SB. Browns have a team that’s close to that level and need a QB to not hold them back.
Hence why he hasn’t got himself the big contract yet, Browns kinda know he’s not their guy.
They should be going for Watson or looking into Carr
Nope, they shouldn’t. They can win with mayfield and have proven to so far. They def don’t need a rapist on the team while sacrificing draft picks to get him.
Top 10 QB to win a SB? Seriously? Dude, Joe Flacco and Nick Foles have rings. Jared Freakin Goff took his team to a super bowl. No, you don’t need to be a top 10 qb to win.
I can tell you Cleveland cares very much that he won a playoff game over the rival Steelers no less. You finally get good, and you want to get rid of the guy that led you there…just glad you’re not in charge.
Goff lost despite having a good coach, insanely elite defence, a solid o line and good receivers.
But I mean yeah sure you don’t need a top 10 QB but what happened to those guys and those teams after they won. Philly went into a rebuild in less than 3 seasons, and Flacco only made the postseason only once with the Ravens after that in 6 seasons as a starter.
Baker leading them to a playoff win is cool for a garbage team that never ever makes the playoffs but it doesn’t change the fact he isn’t good. This season he ranks 25th in QBR behind Tyler Heinicke and Daniel Jones. He’s played 6 games for 6 TDs and 3 INTs, Jameis Winston in 5 games has 12 and 3 with his best receiver out.
Heading into the season PFF ranked the Browns as having the best o line, yet 6 games in Baker has got himself sacked the second most times in the league.
So he isn’t throwing the ball well, he is getting sacked yet has the best line, he’s got one of the best RB groups, a really good reviving group and a much improved defence and is having a down year. His team are 4-3 behind the Bengals, and the whole franchise no is isn’t their man cause they haven’t given him an extension yet.
Interesting that a fan thinks he is hahahahah
Not to take away too much from your overall point, but “Goff” lost that game because his “elite” coach got figured out. The Rams ran the same plays they did all season, which was already a pretty simplistic playbook, against a less physically talented but still elite defense led by an experienced defensive mind. Goff was pretty much an extension of McVay on the field. McVay being lost the entire game is more a reason why L.A. lost than Goff’s personal shortcomings, because the Rams’ offense was completely built around McVay’s playcalling and the physical talent of its players. You figure that out, and, well, it only takes 13 points to win a ring. If Goff was a more independent quarterback, then yes, I agree, they should have beaten the Patriots. But McVay, like Shanahan before and after him and a number of other coaches, deserves a good deal of blame for trying to control the game too much from the sidelines.
Baker is not the same QB at all. He has benefited a lot-A LOT-from having a reliable rushing attack and a mature coaching staff this year that doesn’t rely on him to play hero ball to win games. But Mayfield has no issue taking ownership of the offense, something Goff was never expected to do. He’s not at all a similar quarterback to Goff and never will be stylistically. To say that he’s never been close to being a top 10 QB may be subjective, but it’s also rather exaggerated. I get not considering him at the top third (I’m half and half on the guy as is), but to say he’s not close? That’s a stretch. Yeah, he relies on play-action. But a lot of successful ABs do-and have. He can make all the throws (he doesn’t always, but he can), he controls the offense, and up until now has been durable and obviously is respected by the team. I’m not an enormous fan but I wouldn’t dismiss him so easily.
Good coach hahahah
My top 10 in no order
Mahomes Brady Rodgers Watson Russell Lamar Kyler Stafford Dak Allen
Then I’d say
Ryan Carr Herbert and Burrow are all better then Baker. He would be in and around Tannehill Wentz Cousins Goff and Jimmy G.
That’s 20 players, he’s no where near top 10, probably not top 15 and struggled to make top 20 to me
Joe Flacco was never considered an elite QB but he has a ring. Dan Marino clearly was an elite QB but he has no ring. The point is – it takes a team effort to win a championship.
I’ll give you credit, you keep on trying to sling your shill against Baker.
This just in….the Ottawa Redblacks have checked in on Watson.
Redblacks sounds racists, no?
Sounds like an oxymoron if anything…
Or a team searching for casino sponsorship.
If the Eagles traded for Watson I would have bailed on them.
Watson does, allegedly, have a pattern of thinking people will want him when they don’t.
Ross wants him, but Flores keeps publicly stating Tua is their guy. Even though the narrative is that people like Flores and the culture, at 1-5, we shouldn’t overlook the possibility that Ross kicks Flores to the curb to justify what he wants.
Bill O’Brian is available
You know, I actually thought that Tua looked mostly pretty mature in the Hags game,
Z his pulling Mack Holland out of a scuffle early as an embattled second year QB at least speaks to his leadership qualities if nothing else, and his reaction to Brissett’s early long pass at least showed his team dedication.
Playing-wise, he did show a lot of improvement to me in hitting his check downs and protecting his injured chest. Don’t get me wrong, he still had a lot of mistakes, but I saw him change some bad habits that had plagued him last year (such as being impatient with what the defense gives him and being reckless under pressure). I think he has a ways to go, but I’m also of the opinion that this staff, like last year’s, needs to do more play-calling wise to help him develop.
sports media…
Watson’s agent is very busy – in his own mind.
Dolphins need to leave this alone. There are other ways to build a contender than to throw picks and money at this mess.
Until they are!
Funny article? Can we expect a follow up on the other teams NOT INTERESTED? Keeping a player in the media fore front because?????? Can you also send out more on that QB from 5 years ago in SF that teams have no interest in for the same reason? great athletes but both train wrecks!
I have never understood why so many people have such a big deal with rumors articles on a RUMORS site.
I’ve suggested on a few occasions a ♥ beside MUTE so that members can cherry pick their favorite articles while skipping those they have no interest in. That might reduce the complaints.
Steelers make the most sense. Bring him in now. Let him learn. Use Haskins while he’s suspended. Team has bright young cornerstones already so they don’t need to use money elsewhere. That’s his best destination. People just don’t want to believe Ben is done.