Deshaun Watson - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Deshaun Watson Market

August 28th, 2021 at 4:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Deshaun Watson market, as muddled as it may be, reclaimed its place atop the NFL news cycle Saturday. Texans GM Nick Caserio has discussed the Pro Bowl quarterback on more than one occasion with the Dolphins and Panthers, Armando Salguero of outkick.com reports.

Watson would prefer a trade to Miami but would not veto a deal that sends him to Charlotte, Salguero adds. The soon-to-be 26-year-old QB has a no-trade clause. The Panthers are not believed to be making a hard push for the Clemson product at this point, but they were monitoring him recently and showed considerable interest this offseason — before the sexual assault and misconduct allegations emerged.

As of now, however, the Dolphins are not meeting the first part of the Texans’ lofty asking price. Miami is not ready to part with three first-round picks for Watson, per Salguero, who adds no trade is imminent. The Texans are believed to want three first-rounders and two second-rounders for Watson, who requested a trade this past winter and has not factored into the team’s practices this summer. Houston is not expected to fetch such a haul for Watson, Adam Beasley of ProFootballNetwork.com notes, if a deal is made soon.

Miami remains interested at the right price, and if that is the case, Houston may not be able to keep its lofty price tag where it presently is. The Panthers’ interest having dwindled, and the Broncos and Eagles potentially bowing out — as Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790 reports, Watson will not waive his no-trade clause for Philly — may leave just one serious suitor. That would obviously benefit the Dolphins.

Additionally, the Texans are not believed to be interested in a deal that includes Tua Tagovailoa, per Salguero. That could change, but any deal for Watson not including Tagovailoa would leave the former No. 5 overall pick in a strange situation. The Dolphins were linked to Tagovailoa a year before they actually selected him, but Beasley notes the some concern about his development exists within the organization. Not everyone in the Dolphins’ organization is concerned about Tua, with the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson noting the team has been pleased with the second-year QB’s improvement. GM Chris Grier has committed to Tagovailoa as his 2021 starter on multiple occasions during the offseason.

Tagovailoa would have no path to a starting job on a team with Watson, assuming his legal trouble does not result in prison time. While Tagovailoa could serve as the Dolphins’ starter during a Watson suspension, the team would almost certainly need to unload the younger quarterback in a separate trade at some point.

It would certainly be strange for a team to acquire Watson at this point. Twenty-two women have filed civil suit against him, and at least 10 are involved in the Houston Police Department’s investigation. A grand jury is set to be empaneled soon, and the NFL is not planning to interview Watson until it has spoken with all 22 accusers. The Pro Bowl passer is not set to be deposed in the civil case until February 2022. While this would create a window for Watson to play this season, though a grand jury indictment would seemingly prompt the NFL to place him on the commissioner’s exempt list, a team that acquires the QB under these circumstances would face backlash.

Dolphins Frontrunners For Deshaun Watson?

August 28th, 2021 at 1:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

Despite no clarity having emerged on the Deshaun Watson legal front, trade buzz has resurfaced. Long connected to a possible run at the Texans quarterback, the Dolphins may well have circled back to pursuing him.

The Dolphins are believed to be the favorites to acquire the embattled passer, Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com reports (on Twitter). The Texans do appear to be negotiating, per Robinson, who adds the Broncos, Eagles and Panthers have expressed interest. However, the no-trade clause that allows Watson to block a deal to an undesirable destination has impacted the talks and moved Miami to the front (Twitter link).

Although Watson’s value has veered into a strange place, with the 22 civil suits and a Houston PD investigation clouding the Pro Bowler’s football career, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes that a trade may well take place in the coming days. Watson no longer appears to be in the Texans’ plans. He is not atop their depth chart and has not practiced with the team in a notable capacity this year.

While the Panthers re-emerged as a player in these talks, they may not be as interested as the Dolphins. Carolina is not believed to be a serious Watson suitor at this point, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones and The Athletic’s Joe Person (Twitter links). The Panthers were perhaps the most interested in Watson earlier this year, but the off-field issues changed the organization’s thinking on this front. Carolina is rolling with Sam Darnold for the time being, though the team almost certainly would have moved on Watson sooner if the legal issues did not crop up.

Were the Dolphins to pull the trigger on such a deal, they would certainly draw ire from a portion of their fanbase — due to the numerous allegations of sexual assault and misconduct that surfaced this year — and it would represent a massive organizational pivot. The team was linked to Tua Tagovailoa ahead of the 2019 draft, when it passed on that year’s crop of QBs, and used the No. 5 overall pick on 2020 on the Alabama product. Tagovailoa did not prove to be a quick study as a rookie, though he was coming off a severe hip injury. Punting on the young southpaw so early would surprise, but the Dolphins were believed to be interested in Watson prior to the off-field trouble surfacing earlier this year. Prior to the lawsuits, Miami had prepared a big offer.

A Watson trade would not necessarily end Tagovailoa’s time in Miami, per ProFootballNetwork.com’s Adam Beasley, but it would seem the second-year passer would need to head elsewhere to continue his career if the more established QB is Florida-bound (Twitter link).

Compensation in a trade will obviously be a significant issue. The Texans have sought a package of three first-round picks and change, with second-rounders and/or proven players also believed to be desired by the rebuilding squad. It will be difficult to imagine a team giving up all that for Watson at this time, but thus far, the Texans have stood firm on their asking price — particularly in a deal involving an AFC team. The NFL refusing to place Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list has put the Texans in a tough spot, but unloading Watson now would be selling low — in the event the team cannot pry three first-rounders and change in a deal.

Latest On Texans, Deshaun Watson

August 21st, 2021 at 1:51pm CST by Zachary Links

The Texans are willing to part ways with Deshaun Watson, but only if their conditions are met. They’re still sticking to their lofty asking price and have zero intention of dialing it down for the Dolphins or other AFC teams (Twitter link via Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports).

The Texans are seeking two first round picks plus two second rounders — or two starting-caliber veterans. That’s a significant ask considering that Watson is still facing civil suits from 20+ women, the possibility of an NFL suspension, and potential criminal charges.

The Panthers and “several” other teams have monitored Watson in recent months, but the Texans would prefer to send him out of the conference. Meanwhile, GM Nick Caserio doesn’t seem to be in any rush. The Texans would be okay with paying Watson to not play if he’s placed on team or the Commissioner’s Exempt list. Then, after paying his $10.54MM salary for 2022, they could pursue a better haul next year, when/if his off-the-field matters are resolved.

With the season opener just days away, Watson sits fourth on the Texans’ quarterback depth chart. Barring any sudden changes, the Texans will move forward with Tyrod Taylor and third-round pick Davis Mills as their top QBs.

FBI Involved In Watson Investigation

August 19th, 2021 at 6:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

As Deshaun Watson continues to train intermittently at the Texans’ facility but away from the team’s drills, the off-field issues that have ensnared him for months have kept churning. The FBI is now involved.

The attorney representing the 22 women who have filed civil suit against Watson, Tony Buzbee, said the FBI has contacted him regarding the suits, via League of Justice’s Amy Dash. The FBI has met with Buzbee three times, met with some of his clients and spoken with Watson. The Texans quarterback reaching out to two out-of-state masseuses over the internet brought the FBI into the equation, per Buzbee.

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said the FBI is investigating one of the plaintiffs for extortion, indicating (via ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop). Watson spoke to the FBI to discuss one of his accusers’ allegations, per Hardin, who said he will continue to cooperate with the FBI.

The civil suits emerged first, and this matter remains ongoing. The Houston Police Department’s investigation now involves at least 10 women — eight of which are part of the civil case — and a grand jury. An indictment may be in the cards for Watson, which could well prompt the NFL to place the Pro Bowl passer on the commissioner’s exempt list. The league has thus far refused to do so, leaving the Texans in an awkward spot. The NFL is not planning to interview Watson until its interviews with all 22 civil accusers have commenced.

With less than a month remaining until the regular season, Watson sits fourth on the Texans’ depth chart as the team transitions to a new offensive system. Having requested a trade before the accusations emerged, Watson remains in limbo. He has not missed a game since tearing an ACL in 2017, but given the multiple legal issues, the fifth-year QB looks highly unlikely to suit up to start this season.

Grand Jury To Be Convened In Deshaun Watson Case

August 15th, 2021 at 10:36am CST by Rory Parks

A grand jury will be convened to determine if there is sufficient evidence against Texans QB Deshaun Watson to bring criminal charges against him, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 KRIV (via Twitter). As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk observes, Watson’s camp has expected that this would be the case, so it’s not as though the embattled QB is surprised by the development.

Of the 22 women who have filed civil suits against Watson alleging sexual abuse/misconduct, 10 of them have filed criminal complaints. At this time, the Harris County DA’s Office is sending out subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify before the grand jury.

It would not be surprising if an indictment is handed down. As Florio points outs, the nature of grand jury proceedings — which take place without the defendant present and without the opportunity for the defendant’s attorney to cross-examine witnesses — make an indictment relatively easy for prosecutors to obtain.

If Watson is, in fact, indicted, it would likely be enough for the NFL to place him on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, which has been rumored for some time but which has not happened yet. Following the publication of an expansive piece by Jenny Vrentas of SI.com (subscription required) that criticizes the league’s investigation into the allegations against Watson, the NFL has said there is still no change to Watson’s playing status (Twitter link via ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin).

Indeed, veteran writer Clarence Hill Jr. reports that the league is not planning to interview Watson until it has spoken to all 22 of his accusers, and as of right now, it has only spoken to 10 (Twitter link). So, even if an indictment forces the NFL to put Watson on paid leave, it seems as if this matter is still a long way from a resolution, both in the courtroom and on the football field.

Deshaun Watson Out For Texans’ Preseason Opener

August 10th, 2021 at 9:51am CST by Zachary Links

Texans GM Nick Caserio told SportsRadio 610 that he does not expect Deshaun Watson to travel with the team to Green Bay this weekend (Twitter link). So, at minimum, Watson won’t face the Packers to start the preseason. Beyond that, it’s unclear if the Texans will actually put Watson on the field.

Caserio says that both he and head coach David Culley have had multiple conversations with Watson over the last week, but declined to provide much in the way of additional info (Twitter link). Any other talk concerning Watson, he says, is “speculation.” That includes the latest batch of conflicting info — longtime team insider John McClain hears that Watson has played his final down in Houston. Meanwhile, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports hears that the Texans haven’t ruled out some type of arrangement to keep him this year and trade him in 2022, a la Aaron Rodgers.

The Panthers and “several” other teams are said to be keeping tabs on Watson, even though he could be parked on the commissioner’s exempt list at any moment. Right now, it doesn’t sound like the Texans are entertaining calls on their one-time franchise face or backing down from their surprisingly steep asking price — five high draft picks plus quality veterans.

Latest On Texans’ Deshaun Watson

August 9th, 2021 at 11:30am CST by Zachary Links

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice on Monday (Twitter link via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com). Still, it’s not clear whether Watson has a future in Houston.

Watson will never play another down for the Texans, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Meanwhile, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link) hears that the Texans haven’t ruled out keeping him. The front office may seek an “Aaron Rodgers type of solution,” according to Robinson. Of course, Watson’s situation is far different from Rodgers’ contract dispute.

The Texans’ position on trading Watson is still unclear. Over the weekend we heard that the Texans are not returning calls on the embattled QB. At the same time, they’ve yet to back down from their sky high asking price of five high draft picks plus quality players. Meanwhile, Watson is still facing 22 civil suits, potential discipline from the league office, and an ongoing legal investigation.

Despite it all, the Panthers continue to monitor Watson and “several” other teams have contacted the Texans about the four-year starter. If Watson is traded/suspended/parked on the exempt list, the Texans will move forward with Tyrod Taylor and third-round pick Davis Mills as their top QBs.

Latest On Deshaun Watson, Texans

August 8th, 2021 at 7:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Trapped in a historically unusual position, the Texans have been receiving calls on their embattled and disgruntled quarterback. And, after coming off its no-trade stance last month, the team may be backtracking on the Deshaun Watson front for the time being.

The Texans are not returning teams’ calls on Watson, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer (video link). This news comes barely a week after Houston opened the door to a Watson trade. Unreturned calls could well be the product of Watson’s legal situation, which has diminished the three-time Pro Bowler’s value. Teams are almost certainly not willing to meet Houston’s lofty asking price — five high draft picks and quality players — while the 25-year-old passer is embroiled in his present legal situation.

The team has not softened its asking price on Watson, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, despite an ongoing legal investigation into numerous allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. The Houston PD’s investigation, the 22 civil suits and the NFL’s inaction here has complicated the QB’s status. As of now, Watson is not practicing with the Texans. He is believed to be dealing with calf and ankle tightness, according to Sports Talk 790’s Aaron Wilson (on Twitter).

Furthermore, the Texans may not be ready to close the book on Watson suiting up for them again. The team believes Watson will end up wanting to play in Houston again this season, Glazer adds, though the veteran reporter does not seem to believe the fifth-year QB will back down. Watson’s desire to be traded surfaced in January, and after he and the team discussed this stance in July, it appeared the sides were on the same page regarding a separation. The Texans signed Tyrod Taylor and drafted Davis Mills in the third round. Like just about everything Watson-related, this may be murky as well.

It would be quite strange if Watson suited up for the Texans again, and the notion of the QB playing in 2021 while multiple investigations ensue would make for an awkward start to the season. A team that would even come close to meeting the Texans’ asking price would want clarity on Watson’s status, which would likely require the NFL to intervene. Watson landing on the commissioner’s exempt list would pause trade talks but inject some stability into this situation. While that may well need to occur, the league is merely monitoring this situation as of now.

The Panthers are monitoring the Watson saga, too, and Glazer adds that “several teams” have contacted the Texans regarding their four-year starter. Under normal circumstances, the Texans could collect a monster trade haul that would allow Nick Caserio and Co. to begin a rebuild in earnest. It just seems highly unlikely any team would meet Houston’s asking price at this juncture, creating a standstill.

Panthers Monitoring Texans’ Deshaun Watson

August 4th, 2021 at 10:15am CST by Zachary Links

The Panthers are still eyeing embattled Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (via PFT). The Panthers were among the frontrunners for Watson before the lawsuits emerged and they’re not ruling out the possibility now, even after acquiring Sam Darnold.

Watson was not present at the Texans’ Tuesday practice, a sign that he could be placed on paid leave in one fashion or another. The Texans aren’t saying much about the situation as GM Nick Caserio weighs his options.

“We make decisions every day based on what’s best for our football team,” head coach David Culley said. “Nothing new today on that.”

The team reportedly wants a combination of five high draft picks plus quality players in exchange for the embattled quarterback. Caserio isn’t in any rush — he’s willing to pay Watson $10.54MM this year to stay away from the team in order to get the best trade return possible next year.

In addition to the Panthers, the Broncos, Eagles, and Dolphins have also been connected to Watson. At this points, the ‘Fins seem set with Tua Tagovailoa as their starter and Jacoby Brissett as his safety net. The Broncos, meanwhile, are prepared to move forward with Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. That might leave the Eagles and Panthers as the only real suitors for Watson, but, given all of the complications, it’s hard to imagine either team meeting the Texans’ current asking price.

Texans Practice Without Deshaun Watson

August 3rd, 2021 at 1:28pm CST by Zachary Links

Deshaun Watson was not present at the Texans’ Tuesday practice, their first padded scrimmage of training camp. When asked by reporters, Texans head coach David Culley didn’t offer up much of an explanation.

“We make decisions every day based on what’s best for our football team,” Culley said (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN.com). “Nothing new today on that.”

Watson still wants out of Houston, even in the midst of 20+ lawsuits. The Texans are willing to make that happen, though they’re asking for a lot in return. Texans GM Nick Caserio reportedly wants a combination of five high draft picks plus quality players in exchange for the embattled quarterback.

For his part, Caserio doesn’t seem to be in any rush. The Texans would have to pay Watson to not play if he’s placed on team or the Commissioner’s Exempt list. Still, his $10.54MM salary isn’t necessarily a backbreaker, and Caserio would prefer to wait it out. This way, he’ll have a chance at a better haul next year rather than accepting pennies on the dollar.

Up until today, Watson was at training camp and successfully avoiding $50K in daily fines. Even then, his participation was light with no team drills.