The Eagles never seemed to be serious contenders in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, which was widely reported to have come down to the Falcons, Saints, Browns and Panthers.
In fact, Watson appeared to have pulled an about-face in accepting a deal to Cleveland after countless reports indicated he had narrowed his choices down to Atlanta and New Orleans.
A recent report suggests Philadelphia was never in play for the three-time Pro Bowler, who had significant leverage in his fate owing to a full no-trade clause.
The reason, according to John McMullen of Philly Voice, was because of Watson's relationship with Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Watson and Hurts are friendly, per McMullen, having forged a relationship through their mutual work with QB trainer Quincy Avery.
Related
"The principles aren't going on record anytime soon," McMullen wrote, "but the strongly held belief around the league is that Watson's aversion to the Eagles had to do with his loyalty to Jalen Hurts."
Hurts, who played collegiately for Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma for his senior season, is a Houston native and graduated from Houston-area Channelview High School.
According to McMullen, Watson might have considered the Eagles if not for his relationship with Hurts, but "he simply didn't want to take an opportunity away from Hurts," and with no shortage of alternative suitors, the Eagles were ruled out "from start to finish in this entire saga."
However, even if the Eagles had been in the mix for Watson, they would have been unlikely to lavish the kind of extension on him that he eventually secured from the Browns, McMullen added.
Meanwhile, Watson didn't seem to mind pushing aside the Browns' Baker Mayfield, who now appears to be on his way out of Cleveland, whether it be by trade or outright release.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram