Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans have remained firm in their respective stances.
Watson has no intention of playing again for the Texans. While the team has no interest in trading the player, as first-year general manager Nick Caserio has said publicly and privately.
As it gets closer to the NFL Draft, when it seems the two sides can maximize trade opportunities, here are five bold predictions on the standoff.
1. It’s not going to be the Jets. The Jets are going to fall in love with a quarterback in the next month. They’re going to realize that getting a quarterback on a rookie deal and keeping those multiple first-round picks the next two years, along with that cap space, is the best path for them to build a winner.
2. It will happen in April. We’re going to hear a lot in March, but until these pro days conclude, the Texans won’t know the full market for Deshaun Watson. Carolina could even fall in love with a quarterback and try to jump to the second or third pick.
Trey Lance’s pro day is March 12; Zach Wilson on March 26; and Justin Fields on March 30.
You’re not going to have the full attendance of potential Watson suitors until after these days.
3. The 305 is going to emerge as the unquestioned, preferred destination for Deshaun Watson. It’s going to be made clear Watson wants to be made a Miami Dolphin. I don’t know if that’s a bad thing for the Texans, necessarily, because they have multiple first- and second-round picks and the No. 3 overall pick thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade.
Nick Caserio has a strong relationship with Brian Flores, so I think that dialogue could be solid. I think it’s going to be clear Deshaun Watson wants to join a 10-win team in Miami.
And let’s be honest. Live in Miami.
It’s the only option where there is not a state income tax. It’s the best current team he could join. I think it’s going to emerge sooner rather than later that Miami is the preferred destination for Deshaun Watson.
4. Nick Caserio’s bosses are going to make this more difficult on him. This is my biggest fear and I think it is going to happen. It’s already stressful enough, after decades of work getting that first GM job. But Caserio has inherited a disgruntled quarterback, in a seemingly unprecedented way.
The job is going to be more difficult through leaks from the top, with information put out there that doesn’t benefit Caserio, and could actually add some fuel to the fire when it comes to the back and forth with Watson.
5. Carolina is where Deshaun Watson ends up. I’m calling my shot.