Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King is doubling down on a report that the Steelers are interested in embattled Texans QB Deshaun Watson
On Wednesday, King tweeted, “Hearing if things go well Friday Deshaun Watson to the Steelers is happening soon after…”
On Friday, a grand jury will hear evident in a case involving Watson’s alleged sexual misconduct. He also has a hearing in a civil lawsuit the same day and will face questions. Criminal charges could be announced as early as Friday.
But if things go well for Watson, King believes a deal between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh will happen.
Now a host VSiN in Las Vegas, King said that while Watson has a no-trade clause, Pittsburgh is his choice.
If his legal issues are resolved on Friday, “I was told that soon thereafter there could be an announcement that Deshaun Watson will be the next quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said King.
King adds that he believes that team would give up bigger names than the Broncos did to acquire Russell Wilson to help soften the draft capital the Steelers would give up.
King was a quarterback with Tampa when Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was there as a defensive backs coach in the early 2000s.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, who is well-connected with the organization says that “Steelers ARE NOT interested in signing Deshaun Watson despite what you might be hearing or reading, per team sources.”
Fan Morning Show host Colin Dunlap says that King’s information may be false, but he believes that he is speaking with someone in the Steelers organization.
22 civil complaints have been filed against Watson alleging various acts of sexual conduct.
Those lawsuits prompted a legal investigation.
It's hard to believe the Steelers making the deal with the baggage that would come with Watson, even if criminal chargers are not filed. He will also likely face a lengthy suspension in the NFL.