Deshaun Watson will plead the fifth in Friday’s civil proceedings, attorney Rusty Hardin says (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). For his part, Hardin says this is ultimately comes down to a timing conflict. 
[RELATED: Broncos Trade For Seahawks’ Wilson]
“I’m not going to allow him to testify (in the civil cases) until the grand jury completes its investigation,” Hardin said.
The district attorney investigating Watson will present her case to a grand jury on Friday, the same day as the civil deposition. Hardin says this is standard practice — as Watson’s lawyer, he cannot advise the Texans QB to testify in the civil hearings before the grand jury investigation plays out.
The Broncos — once believed to be a Watson suitor — took themselves out of the market today by trading for longtime Seahawks superstar Russell Wilson. That deal will see quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant go to Seattle along with two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick for Wilson and a fourth-round choice.
Given Watson’s inactivity and off-the-field situation, it’s hard to imagine the Texans topping that haul. Previously, the Texans were said to be seeking three first-round picks — plus starting-caliber help — in any deal for Watson. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have also shut the door on the embattled QB. For his part, Watson has been said to like the Buccaneers and Vikings as landing spots. Ultimately, the Panthers may be his most logical destination.
Despite all the issues, we do know that multiple teams are interested in Watson. At least some of those clubs are willing to trade for Watson before the civil suits are resolved, but they all want to see how things play out on Friday with regards to charges.
Who scheduled the civil deposition for the same day?
Seems like it could be moved to Monday and then Watson would be free to assert his innocence in a full throated manner.
I’m sure Mr. Hardin would never shield his client behind a well timed technicality, right?
He literally went to court to postpone the civil trials until after the grand jury hearing. The judge granted some of the cases and didn’t with others is how I remember it.
Watson’s deal should top that. He’s much younger than Wilson. That’s assuming the legal stuff is figured out. I just can’t see anyone trading for him in the middle of his legal issues.
He’s much younger but also looking at a lengthy suspension even if he doesn’t have any legal consequences.
And will still be much younger than Wilson, even with a year suspension.
I would trade for him exactly in the middle of his legal issues for the simple reason that you’ll get a discount
The discount is something like the Wilson/Broncos deal.
Doubt the Vikings would want him. They already have a good QB
Also, seems like the lede is kinda buried…
The DA thinks they have enough evidence to indict.
Civil standards much lower.
He’s still very much in the middle of the woods.
McCaffrey , a 2023 1st, and 2022 2nd
Who says no ?
The Texans. McCaffrey is useless for 1/2 of every season
The Texans hang up the phone.
texans, they could likely get another first from another team. otherwise i believe they would take that package before looking to trade cmc after this year
Can a lawyer recuse those that sit on a Grand Jury as is possible with a regular jury? It’s probably not to Wilson’s benefit to having women sit in judgement of his actions.
I doubt Wilson cares who sits on the jury. Watson would have more interest.
Sorry had to get a little snark in here. Watson is also not worth 3 firsts.
I probably wouldn’t have missed the mark like that if someone had loaned me their compass.
what’s the over/under on how many times he pleads the fifth?
Gonna go with 5 Dan-o.
A little more wind to add to all this…
You can accomplish a lot with money, and the legal system obviously isn’t immune. Watson has money and I’m sure his lawyer knows how to play the game. If he really was completely innocent, why wouldn’t whatever dealings that needed to be made get made to fast track this so he could get it behind him?
Do you think he is innocent? I think a couple are embellishing their story to get a few bucks but most are probably telling the truth. If he goes to trial and is convicted they will appeal then this lasts years. They will probably take it to the highest court they can. This could take 5 or more years. I doubt they hold him in jail so then it is in the NFLs corner. Do they let him play or keep him like he is sitting in the corner. I also don’t think the Texans should have to pay him if they stick him back in the corner. The money they would pay him is it part of their cap. That will be an interesting thing to watch.