As the 2021 NFL season quickly approaches, trade speculation surrounding Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is heating up yet again.
Earlier today, NFL insider Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported that the Miami Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunners to land the three-time Pro-Bowl QB.
A few other teams, including the Carolina Panthers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Denver Broncos, also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Watson. But with his contractual right to approve his trade destination, the star QB has reportedly made it clear that his No. 1 preference is Miami.
Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright explained why that’s the case.
“He wants to reunite with his buddy Will Fuller,” he wrote in response to a fan on Twitter.
He wants to reuinte with his buddy Will Fuller. https://t.co/oxtWRD5TJy
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 28, 2021
Fuller has been a receiving option for Watson in each of the QB’s four NFL seasons so far. In 2020, the star wideout reeled in 53 receptions for 879 yards and eight touchdowns from the league’s passing leader.
Midway through this past season, Watson addressed rumors that the team was looking to trade Fuller, saying it “would have been hell” if they went through with it.
At the end of the receiver’s fifth-year option this season, Fuller and the Texans did not agree on an extension. Instead, the former first-round pick elected to sign a one-year, $9.6 million deal with the Dolphins.
Fuller missed the final five games of the 2020 season after violating the league’s PED rules. His six-game suspension will carry over through Week 1 of the 2021 season.
Watson currently finds himself in a far more serious situation. After receiving allegations of sexual assault from more than 20 women earlier this year, the 25-year-old quarterback is currently under investigation.
With heavy punishments potentially coming for Watson, the teams interested in a trade are looking for certain assurances. According to Robinson’s reports, the Dolphins and others are seeking pick protections in case he is prosecuted or suspended by the league.
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