Talk of a trade involving Deshaun Watson have been fairly quiet as of late. The 25-year-old quarterback has been limited during Houston Texans training camp and was recently listed as fourth on the team’s depth chart, making his outlook for the upcoming season even more unclear.
However, a report from Pro Football Talk on Saturday implied that trade speculation has ramped backed up with the NFL’s final cut deadline rapidly approaching. Apparently “multiple executives” said that there’s been “mounting chatter” about a possible deal for Watson, with the Carolina Panthers and the Miami Dolphins as the frontrunners interested.
Soon after PFT’s report emerged, NFL insider Jonathan Jones dispelled the idea that the Panthers are entertaining a trade for Watson. With 22 civil lawsuits against the 25-year-old still outstanding, Carolina isn’t willing to take on the risk.
“The Panthers are not entertaining a trade for Deshaun Watson at this time, I’m told,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “Things could eventually change pending the outcomes of these 22 lawsuits against Watson, but for now Carolina isn’t in on any potential trade.
The Panthers are not entertaining a trade for Deshaun Watson at this time, I’m told. Things could eventually change pending the outcomes of these 22 lawsuits against Watson, but for now Carolina isn’t in on any potential trade.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) August 28, 2021
It’s hard to blame the Panthers for not wanting to pursue a trade for a player with such disturbing allegations levied against them. Considering the legal situation is still ongoing, Watson could also still be disciplined by the NFL, depending on the outcome of the lawsuits.
If the Panthers aren’t interested, the Dolphins remain the only reported team with significant interest in the three-time Pro Bowler, per PFT. Miami still has time to execute a deal, but will likely need to do so in the next few days.
If the Dolphins don’t bite, the Texans will need to figure out a plan for Watson in 2021. The team will want to carry a player of his caliber onto the 53-man roster, but will have to await the outcome his legal situation before determining if he can, or even wants to, suit up in Houston this fall.
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