Despite reports that the Dolphins and Texans have agreed to compensation in a prospective Deshaun Watson trade, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com says that, as of this morning, there is not much hope of a deal being completed prior to Tuesday’s deadline. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports HQ had reported earlier in the week that Houston was not feeling any pressure to swing a trade by the deadline and was content to wait until the offseason (video link).
Although Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants to see his team land Watson, he is said to want more clarity on the passer’s legal situation before green-lighting a trade. And, as Watson’s legal situation is rife with uncertainty at this point, Ross might not be comfortable in authorizing a deal that likely includes three first-round draft picks.
Schefter’s report also casts doubt on whether Miami and Houston are actually in agreement on the trade package. The ESPN scribe suggests that, in addition to all of the legal concerns, there are still lingering “compensation issues” that would need to be hammered out before a trade can be finalized. Indeed, GM Nick Casersio is unwilling to trade Watson for anything less than what he perceives to be maximum value. On the other hand, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Dolphins and Texans were close to a deal a few days ago, and that a trade was not consummated only because the ‘Fins want Watson to settle his legal matters first (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald on Twitter).
Of course, Watson theoretically could settle the civil suits that 22 women have filed against him, but he can’t control whether criminal charges are filed. Glazer’s report, though, lends credence to the notion that a deal will not be consummated within the next two days.
Meanwhile, Texans owner Cal McNair wants to put the matter behind him and would like to see Watson traded by Tuesday. But Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says McNair has given Caserio full authority to handle the situation however he sees fit, and if that means retaining Watson through the deadline, then so be it.
We also have an interesting nugget to pass along with respect to the Panthers’ involvement in this process. Schefter confirms that Watson did not waive his no-trade clause for Carolina — or for any team other than Miami — which is at least one reason why the the Panthers are not pursuing Watson in advance of the deadline (though other reporters have said an offseason deal could still happen if Watson remains with the Texans). However, there was speculation that a deal that would send Watson to Carolina would see star RB Christian McCaffrey heading back to Houston as part of the return.
Joe Person of The Athletic says McCaffrey was never part of the trade talks (Twitter link), and Schefter adds that Panthers GM Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule actually called McCaffrey on Friday night to tell him as much.
Good. Fins need to continue to ride Tua.
Protect him, give him solid weapons, and he will give them the best shot at winning and being a contender.
Why give up anything for a guy who could be in jail in the near future? And, personally, I wouldn’t want him on my team right now until we find out innocence or guilt.
It’s been 18 since the last trade/no trade article…fell for the click bait again.
If Watson isn’t traded by deadline, he should walk up to Coach Culley and say “put me in coach, I’m ready to play” and foil the Texans’ plans of constantly put him on paid leave. Player and team have to agree to paid leave. Would wreck the Texans.
Bradthebluefish –
Why would you possibly be on Watson’s side here? Says a whole lot about your character as a human being
Watson hasn’t been found guilty of anything. Until then, let the court system play out. I agree, Watson should be vocal for his want to play. NFL has done nothing since Feb and the Texans only have benched him, while paying him $10m. That’s it from the league.
And we all know he will say sorry, pay a tab, and be QB’ing next year. if you think otherwise, then you’re missing out on a heck of a player. Vick, a federal prisoner, got back in the league & is the only player to sing 2 $100m contracts (Falcons & Philly).
***Sign $100m contracts
“let the court system play out”
Seriously? In your mind, is OJ not guilty of murdering two people? Do you really need your hand held by our legal system before even forming an opinion about someone?
He has over twenty people accusing him of sexual harassment and/or assault. Feel free to form an opinion on him and not take his side. Live a little.
I am sure the Duke Lacrosse players wouldnt feel the same way. comparing 1 guy who had his day in court and reviewed all the evidence, to a guy who hasnt even been charged with anything yet, not saying he is innocent, but I am at least willing to wait and let it play out before saying ” I know he is guilty”
Were you ready to hang the Duke Lacrosse players too?
I actually thought it might boost his trade value, to play
If the guy is refusing to play, and waive his no trade clause to certain teams he should not be getting paid. That makes no sense to me.
It’s laughable to think that Carolina would have included McCaffrey as part of a package for Watson
Agreed. Losing Luke Kuechly and then trading CMC now would be a gut punch to a fan base that’s already unimpressed with Tepper’s tenure.
That said, a couple of years from now, when McCaffrey has more miles and hits on the clock, a trade wouldn’t be so outlandish if the return were decent.
McCaffrey won’t have any mileage on him standing on the sidelines in plain clothes.
This whole thing is nothing but a media created story. No one was ever trading for him. Expect a story about it every day until the deadline. Then once every 2 weeks afterward. #FakeNews
I can understand McNair’s stance, as Houston is playing with fire with respect to the criminal charges, i.e., a convicted felon is a lot harder to trade than an alleged sexual predator.
Personally I think they should trade Watson ASAP, as there is no telling what other trouble this loser could get into between now and next March.