The NFL's trade deadline is fast approaching, which means that the constant rumors involving embattled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will mercifully come to an end in the next few hours.
But the increased likelihood of Watson remaining with the franchise after the 4 p.m. ET deadline hits doesn't bother Houston radio host Sean Pendergast. He believes that it'd behoove the franchise to hold off on trade conversations until the offseason, considering how complicated Watson's legal situation is.
"There's just way too much hair on this thing with Watson," Pendergast told After Hours with Amy Lawrence on Tuesday. "Even if he were to settle the 22 civil lawsuits -- which, by the way, they'd have to do sometime in the next nine hours, because that's what Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants done -- even if he does that, there's still a criminal investigation going on.
"And there's still not real clarity on where the league stands with this, other than they don't have enough to put him on the commissioner's exempt list right now. I think there's too much risk involved, certainly for the Dolphins. And then with the Texans, as somebody who roots and covers them, I'd rather see them try to create a bigger market for Deshaun with more than one team when the spring comes around."
According to a report from the Houston Chronicle last week, Ross approved a trade for Watson, but wants his "legal issues resolved" and more clarity from the NFL regarding potential punishment before officially completing the deal. At this time, there's no reason to believe that Watson's legal matters will be settled anytime soon.
Watson, who would reportedly waive his no-trade clause for the Dolphins, hasn't played a single snap this season, and remains under investigation by Houston police and the NFL. Last week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that the league isn't ready to place Watson on the exempt list, meaning that, if dealt, he'd be able to play as soon as this coming weekend.
Texans general manger Nick Caserio has reportedly asked for three first-round picks plus two second-rounders in exchange for Watson, whose four-year, $156 million contract extension doesn't kick in until 2022.
The entire Texans conversation between Pendergast and Lawrence can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow After Hours With Amy Lawrence on Twitter @ALawRadio and @AfterHoursCBS, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.