The Texans are willing to part ways with Deshaun Watson, but only if their conditions are met. They’re still sticking to their lofty asking price and have zero intention of dialing it down for the Dolphins or other AFC teams (Twitter link via Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports). 
[RELATED: FBI Involved In Watson Investigation]
The Texans are seeking two first round picks plus two second rounders — or two starting-caliber veterans. That’s a significant ask considering that Watson is still facing civil suits from 20+ women, the possibility of an NFL suspension, and potential criminal charges.
The Panthers and “several” other teams have monitored Watson in recent months, but the Texans would prefer to send him out of the conference. Meanwhile, GM Nick Caserio doesn’t seem to be in any rush. The Texans would be okay with paying Watson to not play if he’s placed on team or the Commissioner’s Exempt list. Then, after paying his $10.54MM salary for 2022, they could pursue a better haul next year, when/if his off-the-field matters are resolved.
With the season opener just days away, Watson sits fourth on the Texans’ quarterback depth chart. Barring any sudden changes, the Texans will move forward with Tyrod Taylor and third-round pick Davis Mills as their top QBs.
I’d be baffled if he ever plays again in the NFL, let alone if a team trades for him. We’ll have to see what happens with his settlements…
I’d be baffled if he doesn’t play again in the NFL.
Maybe not this year but next year he’ll be back to QB1 for a new team.
Big Ben still has a job, so Watson might too
Dumb comparison… Ben had one girl accuse him, where as Watson has over the dozen mark or quite near it. The FBI is even involved. This is way more severe than Ben’s. However if he truly is innocent I hope deshaun counter sues these people and clears his name. If he is guilty, then yeah.. he will never play another down and will deserve that consequence.
Big Ben’s actions were FAR worse.
Benjamin had 2 accusations. One in a bathroom and another in an elevator I believe. A few years apart so his get out of jail free card renewed. I also thought a couple of State Troopers lost their job. They were on private security and posted outside the bathroom telling people it was closed.
His linemen were posted outside the bathroom door.
Half of the things brought up from a few of you are pure speculation… he had a security guard with him at the club.. not his linemen posted up. And deshuan again has over dozens and almost a mother dozen on top of that. I’m not saying neither one is right… but I do see a common theme, more people is hating on Ben than deshaun, tho Ben was found not guilty, nor was he investigated by FBI, but you believing Ben’s is “FAR” worse… they’re both bad, but Watson’s especially with the amount of defendants is worse. And again, so even if watsons is found not guilty, I imagine these same Ben haters will be singing the Tune of defense to Watson. Hmm
You should keep arguing about who’s committed the worse crime, they are both scumbag creeps, that’s it that’s all
And Kobe was a rapist.
Blasphemy!
Watson hasn’t been accused of bleaching a crime scene either
I’m not defending Watson. But he’s been more accused of groping and exposing himself. Ben was accused of rape. And that is far worse. Just the facts….
Big Ben made his bad choices when the climate wasn’t what it is now for these issues ; i don’t believe a team will trade for him but maybe once he’s been released and these cases are over w he may have a shot at getting back into a team …
Unless the criminal case turns up enough evidence to proceed to trial, or the civil case goes to trial and a lot of extremely embarrassing exhibits are made, I’d think Watson plays again. If the cases are settled or dismissed and the criminal case doesn’t result in charges, I’d think Watson plays again.
As bad as it is, Watson will eventually be back on the field. He’s only 26 and played at an MVP level last year. He could get suspended for a season or two (or go to prison or whatever happens) and still come back. Vick missed two seasons, Antonio Brown missed a season, etc. Unless some major video evidence comes out, he’ll be on the field at some point.
I would be shocked if he is on the field this season, though. The NFL should have exempted him a while ago and I think they’re using his strained relationship with the Texans as cover to avoid having to make a decision.
Maybe you’re easily baffled
You’d really be “baffled” about that? What if all of his lawsuits get tossed? What if the result is completely in his favor? Would you still baffled”? Lol please stop
Ray Lewis killed someone and is in the hall of fame!
In other words, Houston is not willing to move him…
Thanks for the update of the other 35 updates in the past couple weeks that aren’t any different. 😉
I think Philly gets him. They need a QB and have experience w/ Vick when he was let out prison.
If Caserio is limiting his trade partners to the NFC then it has to be Howie he will try to extort because no other GM has the required draft capital.
Imagine how many first round draft picks a non-sex pest quarterback would fetch.
I mean, Stafford at a much higher age and coming with more recent injury issues and less recent success got a first. He’s a quality starter, but it’s doubtful that he’ll lead the Rams for as long as Watson was expected to lead the Texans (or his next hypothetical team).
The Texans did, I believe, set this price before the public revelation of these allegations. They’re just stubbornly sticking to it through them.
Yeah, I believe the Texans wanted at two or three first rounders as well as multiple other picks (or another QB; for example, two firsts plus Tua) prior to any of this coming out.
Can’t see any team coming anywhere close to that until there is some clarity on if he will see any jail time or not….just too much risk.
Thanks Zach for this breaking news!!
Texans. Are they still in the NFL? They’re a clown organization for sure.
All the young people on here, google donte stallworth. Guy killed someone and came back to play. Need we mention Vick and having to come out of jail and play? KCP only playing home games for the lakers because of house arrest? Not even bringing up Hunt who had video proof and still got paid. He will be back on the field. Do I agree? We will see how the verdict goes if it gets that far.
Don’t forget Leonard Little. Continued getting DUI’s afterwards too…
You forgot Ray Lewis
Ray never got convicted. That’s much different than all of those other examples…who, you know, we’re legally guilty.
“With the season opener just days away…”
It starts September 9. This sentence makes it sound like to starts in three days or so, not 19.
Giants have 2 first in the next draft.
They could offer one of those, Daniel Jones, Darius Slayton, a second round pick and a fourth round pick.
Texans would be receiving back 3 picks, a young QB and a young WR. Giants would have Watson at QB, Barkley at RB, with Golloday, Shepard and Toney at WR. That would be a pretty nice offence.
Overall tho I still think the Dolphins have the best offer. A future first, Tua Tagovailoa, Greg Little, Noah Igbinoghene, and a third round pick.
Texans get back a couple picks but also a former high first round pick QB, a young tackle and a young CB.
Giants don’t typically acquire controversial players. There’s no way they’d push for Watson. On top of that, Jones’ value is practically nothing right now. And Slayton isn’t all that special and his numbers are inflated because he was virtually the only decent receiver who stayed healthy last year. Just don’t see that trade happening at all.
The latest update is there is no latest update.
The last real update was that the FBI jumped in.
Watson starts Wk1 and plays the entire season
He could lead the Mean Machine in an exhibition match over the guards.
The big broom used to sweep things like this under the carpet disappeared after Ray Rice.
For the record, Ben was never “found not guilty” and Ray Lewis didn’t kill anyone, he was an accessory.
Watson and Bauer have both made poor choices that will certainly hurt them playing the rest of their days professionally
Houston has absolutely no leverage in any trade scenario.
A) The accusations
B) Watson wanted out before the accusations
C) Watson only has to show up ready to play
D) Houston is on the hook for Watson’s salary
As it stands right now, if Goodell exempts Watson, it will be perceived as protecting Houston from Watson’s salary; and his lawyer will (should) file complaints.
The “Morals Clause” only goes so far because as soon as he announces Watson’s exemption … and you can disagree with me all you want … there will be a tsunami of accusations against a laundry list of players; going back to their NCAA days.
Houston needs to cut bait (reasonable price of course) because there’s no way this ends well for anyone
ijs
I agree with all of your reasons why Houston SHOULDN’T have leverage, but the fact is that they do. Watson is signed to a long term deal. Just as the Packers showed with Rodgers, Houston can just sit and refuse to trade Watson if they don’t like any offers. Is it stupid? Sure. But nothing’s forcing them to do anything. They don’t have to say yes to anything they don’t want to trade-wise.