Despite seven lawsuits, and more coming, alleging sexual assault and misconduct against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, his trade interest does not seem to be waning.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, several teams remain interested in trading for Watson despite these circumstances, which includes the NFL’s own internal investigation into the matter.
Teams interested in Watson include the Eagles, Panthers, Jets, Dolphins, 49ers and Broncos.
Watson, 25, is one of the best quarterbacks in the league who is in the prime of his career but has not been happy about the direction the Houston Texans are taking and demanded to be traded.
The Texans signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a one-year deal as free agency began last week — a sign that the team may be ready to move on from Watson.
But civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and assault against Watson also began to mount last week, at a time when teams may be calling with trade offers, casting doubt on Watson’s future.
While Watson does not face any criminal charges — at least not yet — the NFL’s own investigation into the matter could result in discipline of the quarterback prior to whether or not the lawsuits are settled.
Watson has continued to adamantly deny these allegations.
Obviously, any team interested in trading for Watson must take these factors into considerations. It would certainly be a risk that Watson would miss games, as well as a reputational risk if the allegations are true.
His situation, both on and off the field, continues to be worth monitoring as the NFL moves deeper into free agency and closer to the NFL Draft — where teams will need to decide if they want to trade for Watson or aim for a quarterback in the draft.
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