The Texans may well have Brian Flores positioned as the favorite to succeed David Culley, and some buzz about Deshaun Watson‘s interest in playing for Flores reopened the door to the Pro Bowl quarterback suiting up for the Texans again.
Nick Caserio did his best to shoot that down Tuesday. The second-year Texans GM said, during an appearance on SportsRadio 610 (via the Houston Chronicle), Watson playing for Houston again “more than likely” will not happen.
Watson made a trade request nearly a year ago, after reports indicated the Texans did not include the quarterback in their GM and head coach searches. While the Texans resisted trade overtures for a while, they did engage in talks ahead of the deadline. Watson remains a Texan, but that is unlikely to be the case for too much longer.
Not much has transpired with Watson’s criminal investigation and civil suits in connection with the 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and/or sexual misconduct. That still puts the 26-year-old passer’s future in question. A suspension remains expected. The uncertainty regarding Watson’s availability has clouded his trade market for several months, though it figures to heat up again soon. Watson’s deposition in the civil case is set for next month.
Despite Stephen Ross being the power broker most closely connected to Watson interest ahead of last year’s deadline, the Dolphins have attempted to distance themselves from the embattled quarterback post-Flores. They are believed to be committed to Tua Tagovailoa for next season. Flores and Watson have been connected to teaming up with the Giants, but many changes would need to ensue to make that a realistic possibility.
Watson was not believed to have waived his no-trade clause for anyone but the Dolphins, but now that the landscape has shifted, it will be interesting to see if he would open the door to more destinations. The Panthers certainly come to mind as a prospective suitor, given their interest (before the off-field turmoil) last year. The Eagles were on the radar at the deadline as well.
The Texans saw Davis Mills show improvement down the stretch. The third-round pick ended his season ranking behind only Mac Jones in QBR among rookies. The rebuilding Texans will likely give Mills more time.
GIANTS
I get that it’s been a long time since the Giants have had a good (or even average) team…but why would you want this turd? Are you really that desperate and is football really that important?
No chance on earth the Maras acquire him. They wouldn’t take him for free. People need to stop putting this out there as a possibility. There is a negative percent chance the Giants get Watson.
Think the Panthers are the favorites to land Watson. HC on hot seat, presumably GM also so they’re desperate. Owner is aggressive too plus they’re in the nfc.
Personally, I don’t understand why any team would want to give up picks and/or assets for Watson. It’s a gigantic risk and, assuming he isn’t given a lengthy suspension, how much better would the team even be without a semblance of a supporting cast around him?
That said, if I *had* to pick a team, I’d be inclined to agree with you. Desperate people do desperate things, and they may (potentially foolishly) bank on there being a slightly more forgiving fanbase and media in that region because he played his college ball there.
Tepper is impatient enough to be the guy who does it. After seeing how he’s handled his handpicked regime less than three years into their current build, wouldn’t be surprised at anything Tepper did to add to the Panthers.
Nick Caserio spent 19 years with The Patriots. The season of deception has started for Houston and 23 other teams.
Never show the competition your hand.
Every NFL team is a potential leaking sieve. The idea that things can be kept secret in the internet age is ridiculous. Gruden’s emails are the most recent proof.
My comment was in reference to Ross of the Dolphins.
His publicly known obsession with acquiring Watson is driving the price up.
Never show the competition your hand.
They can try to walk it back but it’s out there.
Other teams are probably very interested in acquiring Watson. Their owners and front office have done a good job not acting overzealous about it.
Actually, I think we’re now learning that Flores was the driving force behind the Watson to Miami rumors.
Some of that Flores stuff makes sense, but a lot of it is still just speculation. It just seems rather convenient a story, although it certainly seems to be believable enough. I guess we won’t know until Flores is hired-and only if he pursues Watson.
Any team trading for Watson and the high price coming with him (in both trade capital and salary) will need to wait until the criminal, civil and league investigations are completed. That could all take a year or two. Then once the criminal phase is completed, who knows what the NFL suspension will be. A season? 2 seasons? Life time ban (although we all know from Josh Gordon that’s an oxymoron)? In the meantime a team will be without their Watson for maybe 2 years, meaning he will not have played in 3 years. Will he be worth it when he returns? Not worth the gamble.
Based on what happened this year it seems like the NFL no longer has much interest in suspensions. This is no longer the Ray Rice era. My bet is that Watson’s NFL suspension will be next to nothing, especially if the cases get settled/don’t go forward.
Probably but all deal will have to be contingent. No way any GM in his right mind should give up three first/second round picks for a player who might not be available for two seasons.
Unless he’s found guilty, there’s no way Watson gets suspended for a full season. While his behavior was reprehensible, the case appears to be unwinding a bit. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets cleared of all charges. Then he’ll make a settlement payment on the civil side to finally make this go away.
Likely done with Texans? You think!!! LOL! Curious how the police investigation is going into his case…
Eagles
No thank you, Philly needs a true franchise qb, just a not this one.
Wait…so the Texans don’t want a sexual harassment PR nightmare playing QB for them? That’s shocking, shocking I say! Who would have seen that coming?
What gives Nick that impression?
Who gives a $hit?