Multiple teams are still interested in trading for Texans QB Deshaun Watson, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports (video link). Critically, Rapoport says Watson would not be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list if he were to be dealt.
Of course, Watson has no interest in playing for the Texans, and the Texans have no interest in trying to force their best trade asset to suit up. So he has effectively been on paid leave all season, but we have heard all along that if another club were to trade for the three-time Pro Bowler, the league could step in and park him on the exempt list until his legal situation is resolved, thereby making a trade difficult to consummate.
Rapoport, citing the provision of the NFL’s personal conduct policy that states that a player can be placed on the exempt list if he has been charged with a felony or violent crime, says Watson — who has not been criminally charged at this point — should be eligible to play for any team that acquires him. And, RapSheet hears that a deal is expected to be completed prior to the November 2 deadline.
A recent report indicated that the Panthers and Eagles were no longer involved in the Watson sweepstakes and that the Dolphins were the only team left standing. However, Rapoport says the Dolphins are not alone in their pursuit, and that in addition to Carolina, Philadelphia, and the Broncos, there are other clubs sniffing around.
That report could have been leaked by the Texans in an effort to get Miami to increase its offer. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that no team has been as motivated as the Dolphins to get a deal done, and Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Texans have told another club that they have to beat Miami’s offer (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald on Twitter). Plus, it’s unclear if Watson will waive his no-trade clause for any team other than the Dolphins.
In addition to Watson, there are other Texans players that could be on the move in the next week or so. La Canfora hears that LT Laremy Tunsil could have been a trade candidate if he had not suffered a serious thumb injury earlier this month, and other players that GM Nick Caserio might seek to trade include QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Phillip Lindsay, LB Christian Kirksey, and CB Desmond King.
NFL is the most corrupt league out there. Gruden sends mean emails years ago and gets booted out of the league, while actual criminals like Watson and Dan Snyder face zero consequences.
Didn’t know Watson has been found guilty of said charges.
“who has not been criminally charged at this point”
He hasn’t. Reading comprehension is overrated anyway.
Gruden resigned big brain
Anyone with half a brain knows he was pushed. The NFL was literally waiting in the background to force him out if he didn’t
And what crime has Dan Snyder been convicted of???
None, because he’s rich with a group of other rich buddies who’s best interest is to protect each other, because they likely all have skeletons in their closet to be exposed. The guy basically trafficked his cheerleaders.
Gruden quit because he didn’t have the stones to stand in front of a room full of mostly black guys who now knew he was a racist.
You got the rest right, though.
I mean, anyone can have big lips. Not sure how that’s racist but okay. The most damaging stuff was homophobic which he probably could’ve survived if he weren’t coaching the first openly gay player in the NFL. Some people would be absolutely mortified if they knew some of the stuff that gets said in a firehouse around a bunch of alpha dogs. Men and women. Gruden took it too far but sometimes you say stuff around friends you wouldn’t say around strangers because friends know you and have context.
Man how naive are you to not understand the history of that racist trope lol
“I don’t see what is racist about bananas and watermelon and grape soda? Bananas are high in potassium and part of a balanced diet. Watermelon is fun at picnics and no one says cherry soda is racist, why not???”
They aren’t naive. Feigning ignorance is a tactic. Feigning indignation is a tactic. Feigning outrage is a tactic.
So, stuff like “Alpha Dogs? Since when are guys who get paid either zilch or slave wages to burn alive and have to share chubbys to pass the time alphas?”
Good natured ribbing and whatnot.
NFL is super corrupt, but they didn’t force Gruden out. He could have stayed and taken a suspension. That was Mark Davis’s decision and Gruden not wanting to face the music.
Well that bodes well for his trade value.
Legal implications aside, if Watson really wants to win he should shoot down a trade to Miami. That’s a terrible organization. 3 years into this ‘rebuild’ and they’re 1-5.
As many have commented before (on these ridiculously repetitive “updates”), any team that trades for that guy before his legal issues are behind him, is nuts. The PR blowback from local community groups in whatever city he went to would be huge.
There will be blowback by local community groups but the outrage will fade once the next scandal comes along.
Watching the Panthers vs Giants game, I really don’t believe Carolina is done w/ Watson. Darnold sucks!
I was just thinking the same thing. I mean, wow, he’s terrible.
He was just benched & rightfully so.
lets see if he’s correct…
What crimes were Ben and Zeke Elliot charged with?
The Dart Board has spoken.
just wanted to say, if Brady got suspended for inflating balls and other were suspended for (BS reason that she said he did) – Watson will be suspended. He will be suspended regardless of hard proof. He will be suspended PENDING his exoneration. He will NOT be seen on your TV until it’s all settled and all of his victims and the lawyers get paid.