We’ve been hearing that a Deshaun Watson trade was “imminent” for a few days now.
So, what’s the holdup? It might be contract matters.
Four teams got a seat at the table with Watson: the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. Just the Saints and Falcons reportedly are still in the running, and to even get a meeting teams had to have the framework of a trade approved by the Houston Texans.
The assumption has been that Watson, who still could be suspended by the NFL due to allegations of sexual misconduct, has simply been taking his time and thinking things through. But Audacy NFL Insider and former executive Mike Lombardi shared Friday morning on WIP’s “Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Team” that Watson also is trying to get a new contract out of this process.
“Now what’s happening is Watson wants a new deal,” Lombardi said. “Watson wants to get paid, too. So you’ve got two hands out, you’ve got the Texans’ hands out, they want their compensation, and Watson wants to redo his deal, because why not? He’s in control of this. He’s in control of it so he’s looking at the market, he sees Aaron Rodgers, he sees Patrick Mahomes.
“Even though his deal was just done three years ago and it’s a really strong deal he wants another taste of the apple. So, that’s what’s going on…. This is about satisfying Watson and satisfying the Texans at the same time.”
One would think that could be throwing a wrench into things. Watson didn’t play at all last season, still could be suspended for parts of the upcoming season, and already is on a huge contract now. Restructuring his deal now might give some teams pause.
Conversely, if teams were uncomfortable parting with multiple prime assets and a substantial chunk of their cap space, they wouldn’t even be in the running in the first place.
Who knows when there ultimately will be a decision on Watson. When it gets done though, it might be complete with a new contract.
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