The Houston Texans want a lot for Deshaun Watson and now, after the news that the 26-year-old QB will not face criminal charges came out, teams are willing to pay.
Tom Pelissero hears that "multiple teams" are prepared to meet the asking price of "three first-round picks and more" that Nick Caserio and company are looking for in return for Watson.
Related
While no team has more draft capital this year than the Philadelphia Eagles, who have three first-round picks in 2022, Watson also has a no-trade clause that could prevent Philadelphia from getting in the mix.
The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have both made trade offers for embattled Houston Texans' quarterback Deshaun Watson, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.
Rapoport adds that the Texans plan to grant the 26-year-old quarterback permission to speak with interested teams, given that he needs to waive his no-trade clause for any deal to go through.
All this comes just two days after a grand jury in Harris County, Texas decided that the quarterback would not face any criminal charges in response to sexual abuse allegations that have been made against him. Still looming over Watson, though, are 22 civil lawsuits from women who say that Watson engaged in sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
It's not clear how quickly those civil lawsuits could be resolved. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk previously reported that prior to the 2021 NFL trade deadline, Watson had tentatively worked out settlements with 18 of his 22 accusers. Ultimately, though, the four who wouldn't settle prevented a trade to the Miami Dolphins, a team no longer seen as a suitor for Watson. Without all 22 being willing to settle, Watson and his team elected not to settle with any of the women.
Interestingly, David Tepper and the Panthers, desperate to find a franchise quarterback, were willing to trade for Watson even if the civil cases -- and at that time, the criminal investigation -- weren't yet resolved, per Florio. Watson didn't waive his no-trade clause, though, and no trade was completed.
It's unclear if the former Clemson star has warmed up to the idea of playing for the Panthers. Perhaps he wasn't ever cold on it, but he just felt Miami might be a better situation. Rapoport says that the Panthers have "never wavered" in being interested in the three-time Pro Bowler.
And in case you're wondering, Rapoport notes that the Saints -- who are currently $6.366 million over the salary cap -- would be able to fit Watson's $35 million salary into their plans for 2022.
Related
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram