Trade rumors for quarterback Deshaun Watson are heating up, with multiple teams reportedly making offers to the Houston Texans. The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are in the mix.
The #Saints and #Panthers have made offers for #Texans QB Deshaun Watson and are likely to meet with him soon, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Other teams also are involved. Watson has a no-trade clause and wants to meet with teams before formally waiving it anywhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2022
The #Texans are expected to grant permission for interested clubs to speak to Deshaun Watson, so this could ramp up quickly. The price hasn’t changed – three first-round picks and more – and multiple teams are willing to pay it. https://t.co/1LJ5NLva9R
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2022
The 26-year-old is one of the hottest trade targets in the NFL this offseason. He has displayed an ability to produce at a high level ever since he entered the league in 2017.
The Texans drafted the Clemson University product with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Watson has since helped lead the team to two playoff appearances. He’s also a three-time Pro Bowler and led the league in passing yards in the 2020 season.
However, his career hit a snag after sexual assault and misconduct allegations were made against him beginning in March of 2021. Watson did not play a single game with the Texans in the 2021 season.
Recently, Watson was cleared of criminal charges. That development has paved the way for several teams to explore creating a trade package to try to land the quarterback.
Both the Saints and Panthers are in the market for a quarterback.
New Orleans is still looking for a successor to team legend Drew Brees, who is now retired. In the 2021 campaign, the team started four different quarterbacks, with Jameis Winston starting seven games.
On the other hand, Carolina started three quarterbacks last season. Sam Darnold led the way with 11 starts during the season.
Only time will tell where Watson lands. Other teams are reportedly looking to land him as well, including the Seattle Seahawks.
