As we head towards a full year since the first Deshaun Watson trade rumors began, what is the latest news surrounding the Houston Texans QB heading into the 2021 NFL trade deadline? Will one of the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, or Philadelphia Eagles make a blockbuster move for the star QB?
Deshaun Watson trade rumors started way back in January
It seems incredible that we are now into November and the saga between Watson and the Texans still rolls on. It was first reported that Watson had officially requested a trade back on January 28 by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
That came 20 days after Watson had expressed frustration with the hiring process for general manager Nick Caserio. Watson had reportedly offered his input on the process, but none of his suggestions were apparently considered.
The situation then rumbled through to the beginning of the new league year in March 2021. This is the time period things went in a very different direction. On March 16, Houston attorney Tony Buzbee announced on Instagram that he was filing suit against Watson. There are now more than 20 civil lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual assault or sexual misconduct.
Watson has denied any wrongdoing throughout the process, and rumors around his NFL future have continued to rumble. With the trade deadline now looming large, those rumors have heated up in the past week. Let’s take a look at the timeline of Watson rumors over the past week.
Latest Watson trade rumors
What are the latest updates when it comes to a potential trade for Watson in 2021?
Panthers reportedly not expected to pursue Watson
October 27: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Panthers and their owner David Tepper are not expected to pursue Watson at this time. Rapoport also added that Watson has only waived his no-trade clause for the Dolphins.
Watson will not be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list… yet
October 26: In a media availability at the NFL’s fall meeting, Roger Goodell confirmed that the league does not have enough information from the criminal investigation to place Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list. This news made a potential trade more feasible. At the moment, the team acquiring Watson wouldn’t see him immediately placed on the exempt list (unless new information were to come to light).
While Watson reportedly mulls multiple teams, the Dolphins have reportedly agreed to trade terms with the Texans
October 26: NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that Watson is not only focused on the Dolphins. Anderson reported that it was “not just Miami or bust” and that “Watson is willing, for the most part, to go to the teams that are interested in him.”
However, just a matter of hours later, the Houston Chronicle reported that the Dolphins and Texans had agreed on trade terms. The one caveat to that? Miami wants his legal issues resolved and clarity from Goodell on the length of any potential suspension before completing the trade. Both of those seem extremely unlikely to happen ahead of the trade deadline on November 2.
Jay Glazer reports on Sunday morning that the Dolphins have the offer to beat for Watson
October 24: On the FOX pregame show, Glazer reported that his understanding from a team source is that the Dolphins have an offer on the table for Watson that other teams would need to beat. He also reported Houston sought at least three first-round picks and two other picks to make the trade happen.
Eagles and Broncos are reportedly no longer in the running to acquire Watson
During the initial rumors surrounding a potential destination, both the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles had been reported as interested. According to Texans beat reporter Aaron Wilson, the Eagles even went as far as to contact Watson’s legal team. However, on October 24, John McClain reported that Watson had not approved a trade to Philadelphia.
Additionally, reports suggested Denver had also moved on from their reported interest due to Watson’s legal issues.
The Panthers could also be considering trading for Watson
October 20: PFN’s NFL Insider Tony Pauline reported on Wednesday evening that the Carolina Panthers may prefer Watson to their current QB in Sam Darnold. Pauline had first heard that the Panthers might be interested in Watson back in February before the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct had come to light. At the time, Pauline stated:
“Now, the big noise I have heard over the past 24 hours comes from the Carolina Panthers. I spoke with someone last night, and we spoke about Deshaun Watson. This is a person in the know, and they told me that the Panthers will do anything they can to acquire Watson, and they will pay any price to acquire Deshaun Watson.”
Watson trade rumors reignite with a report the QB possibly landing with the Dolphins
October 20: John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported that the Dolphins and Texans are getting closer to having a deal in place. He also reported the deal’s completion may happen by the end of the week.