Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson won’t face criminal charges stemming from accusations of sexual misconduct. With potential jail time no longer on the table, teams like the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints have shown heightened interest for the controversial star. What are the latest trade rumors for Watson?
Deshaun Watson to take visits before waiving his no-trade clause
A grand jury in Texas ruled against indicting Watson on nine complaints of sexual misconduct on Friday. The lack of potential jail time has created renewed interest within Watson’s trade market. Teams such as the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints have shown interest in the QB, despite his 22 open civil cases stemming from similar accusations.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers and Saints have both made offers to the Texans for Watson. However, according to Rapoport, Watson wants to visit with teams before he waives his no-trade clause. That clause will serve as a stumbling block for some potential suitors, as Watson can determine where he wants to land in a trade.
Rapoport reports that the Texans will work with Watson to allow him to visit with teams prior to a trade. According to Rapoport’s NFL Network colleague, Tom Pelissero, the Texans remain firm in their trade demands for at least three first-round picks in exchange for Watson.
What a visit will mean for the trade timeline
Watson can’t be in multiple places at the same time. Consequently, the Texans will have a couple of options in setting up trade visits. The most logical avenue would be to have interested parties meet at the Texans’ facility with Watson, which would speed up the process.
The other option allows Watson to travel and check out facilities and meet with several people in each organization. While Watson would probably prefer Option B, the Texans are likely to want to move this process along quickly — as will potential trade partners — with free agency set to begin on Wednesday.
While some believed that Watson could be moved as early as the weekend, that’s unlikely to happen if he plans to take visits. The Seattle Seahawks, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, are also interested. A trip out West could greatly expand the timeline for a trade.
Watson is going to want to take his time deciphering his next move. And teams are going to want to talk to him about his pending civil cases, so there is a lot to work through before a deal goes down. The Texans can speed this along by accommodating Watson and his potential future employers through efforts with transportation and scheduling.
Ultimately, Watson will get what he wants
Sure, the Texans want a trio of first-round picks (and then some) for Watson. But ultimately, the QB will decide where he wants to go and what Houston gets in return. Watson will want to go to a market where he can continue to get notable endorsements and have a strong roster and head coach to back him. There’s no slam-dunk landing spot for Watson. But if he can figure out what he prioritizes, he will be moved accordingly.
Watson’s wishes might conflict with the Texans’ bottom line, especially from a compensation standpoint. With a no-trade clause in his pocket, Watson holds the cards at this point.