The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for Deshaun Watson's decision, but that doesn't appear it'll change any time soon.
The Texans' star quarterback still hasn't made his decision after meeting with four potential trade suitors, and that decision might not come until after the weekend, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of the Pro Football Network.
Reports indicate the decision has come down to the Saints and the Falcons, with the Panthers and the Browns appearing distant options despite submitting an offer and also meeting with Watson. But the 26-year-old quarterback holds a full no-trade clause and essentially can choose his destination.
But while Watson is taking his time with the decision, it does leave his next team in limbo as they wait to find out if that will be them after all. The Saints have made two signings thus far in free agency in the form of ex-Jets safety Marcus Maye to replace the departed Marcus Williams, and pass-rusher Kentavious Street formerly of the 49ers. But a bulk of their free agent decisions, and certainly their draft prep will depend whether they are chosen to surrender the hefty package of assets demanded by Houston in the trade, as well as working in Watson's salary in their 2022 cap table and beyond.
Should Watson not choose the Saints, the front office will also have to scramble to sign another starting quarterback for the 2022 season. Jameis Winston would presumably be at the top of that list, still unsigned on the free agent market.
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The Falcons face a similar predicament as it relates to veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, who remains under contract in Atlanta. The team faced a deadline on Ryan's $7.5 million roster bonus that would've been enforced Friday if he was still on the roster, but they have pushed that deadline back to Tuesday to allow the Watson decision to play out.
Whatever team does ultimately land Watson, they'll welcome an unquestioned star quarterback, but one with serious questions to face off the field. A Texas grand jury declined to prosecute Watson on the host of allegations of sexual misconduct brought by massage therapists, but he will face 22 civil court cases stemming from the allegations. Watson could also face discipline from the NFL despite not being charged criminally, something his new team must have a plan for.
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Regardless of the decision, it appears Watson is headed somewhere in the NFC South, so the losing team won't be able to get far from his destination.