When an in-season Deshaun Watson commerce fell by way of in 2021, everybody’s consideration shifted in direction of the offseason for a blockbuster deal. Whereas a transfer goes to occur, no NFL group is reportedly prepared to maneuver on him till his authorized points are resolved.
Watson is dealing with 22 sexual misconduct and assault allegations. A lot of his accusers had been deposed in December with the civil case transferring into 2022. The Professional Bowl quarterback can also be dealing with 10 prison complaints and investigations by the FBI, NFL and Houston Police Division.
- Deshaun Watson stats (2020): 4,823 passing yards, 8.9 ypa, 33-7 TD-INT, 112.4 QB ranking
Nevertheless, updates on the investigations and his civil case are sporadic. Ian Rapoport of NFL Community reported on Jan. 9 that the Houston prosecutor dealing with the prison complaints was anticipated to make her stance on potential expenses clear in “the subsequent a number of weeks.” Nevertheless, little or no data has come out since.
Importantly, Watson’s deposition couldn’t take earlier than Feb. 22 and there’s a pre-trial convention scheduled for Might. It indicators that the authorized battles may lengthen lengthy into the offseason, however the Texans have wished to transfer him by March 16. Nevertheless, that may show to be an issue.
NBC Sports activities’ JP Finlay reported Saturday that the consensus perception across the NFL is there received’t be any motion on a Deshaun Watson commerce till a decision is reached together with his authorized points. The sentiment can also be backed up by an NFL govt who spoke to Aaron Wilson of Professional Soccer Community.
“It’s in regards to the authorized stuff with Watson proper now, and nothing however that, in fact. What number of groups would have an interest if he didn’t have the lawsuits and the potential expenses? I’d say a minimum of six to 10 groups would step up. It’s a thorny concern as a result of there’s going to be some fallout so far as public relations and the group. In case you’re going to commerce for him, you must have your proprietor absolutely onboard. In any other case, it’s a non-starter.”
NFL govt on the problems stopping a Deshaun Watson commerce
There’s little question basic managers throughout the NFL need Watson on their group for his on-field capacity. Even after the allegations got here out, a number of groups nonetheless wished Watson. With that mentioned, no group would surrender the required asking value with out solutions to essential questions.
What NFL groups are curious about Deshaun Watson?
Earlier than the 2021 NFL commerce deadline, the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles had been among the many events curious about Watson. Because the season ended, that checklist expanded.
Associated: New York Giants proprietor says no to Deshaun Watson commerce
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers are additionally anticipated to be within the combine. Whereas Miami dropped out of the race and the Minnesota Vikings are dedicated to Kirk Cousins, Houston could have a bidding warfare for its franchise quarterback.
Earlier than any basic supervisor and proprietor indicators off on a deal, they need a decision to this authorized battle. Even when Watson settles together with his 22 accusers, the NFL can nonetheless serve him a multi-game suspension for violating the private conduct coverage. Whereas he wouldn’t miss the complete 2022 season, his penalty may very well be a 4-to-6 recreation ban. Due to that, any group that acquires Watson will want a viable backup quarterback behind him.
- Deshaun Watson contract: $40.4 million cap hit (2022), $42.4 million cap hit (2023), $37.4 million cap hit (2024), $32 million cap hit (2025)
The Texans clearly need to transfer on from this saga, unloading Watson and touchdown an unprecedented return of draft picks and younger expertise. For now, basic supervisor Nick Caserio must maintain being affected person. When every part is found out, we’ll see one of many greatest trades in NFL historical past.