Carolina Panthers News & Rumors

If the Texans are serious about unloading Deshaun Watson before this year’s trade deadline, they may be down to one interested suitor. The Dolphins appear to be bidding against themselves for the embattled quarterback, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports notes.

In addition to Watson’s off-field trouble, his no-trade clause limits the Texans. Watson is not believed to be interested in being dealt to Philadelphia, Jones adds, while Carolina’s interest cooled months ago. Indeed, the Texans’ conversations with the Panthers did not get far, Joe Person of The Athletic notes (subscription required).

[RELATED: Dolphins, Texans Talking Watson Trade]

The Panthers were perhaps the most interested Watson suitor before his off-field issues surfaced. Once the 22 accusations of sexual assault and/or sexual misconduct became tied to his future, the Dolphins have been the only team connected. Despite Brian Flores continuing to indicate confidence in Tua Tagovailoa, owner Stephen Ross‘ interest in Watson has complicated Miami’s quarterback situation. If Watson is to be dealt before this year’s Nov. 2 deadline, the Ross component would seemingly be what drives such a transaction.

The Carolina and Philadelphia conversations getting out this week may be a last-ditch Houston effort to push Miami to up its offer. The Texans set a historically high asking price for their talented quarterback — three first-rounders and two seconds. But with the Dolphins being the lone team expressing true interest, that stands to drive down the price. That is, unless the Texans are willing to table a trade until 2022.

It would seem that is Houston’s best chance at receiving full value for Watson, whose off-field troubles obviously have a better chance of being resolved by next season. The Texans have deactivated Watson for six games. Doing so for 11 more, thus erasing the QB’s age-26 season, and regrouping for a 2022 sweepstakes — when more teams figure to be in the mix — would make sense. The Texans having that card to play could induce the Dolphins to increase their offer now.

If the Dolphins are to acquire Watson now, the NFL may be forced to act regarding the commissioner’s exempt list. While the 81-year-old Ross is believed to be in win-now mode, the Dolphins — at 1-5 — are unlikely to contend this season. A move before Nov. 2 may be about landing Watson for 2022 and beyond, Jones offers, though a suspension next season likely looms.

We heard earlier today that the Dolphins were in serious talks with the Texans about a trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, but they’re certainly not the only suitor. Jeff Howe and Aaron Reiss of The Athletic report that the Texans have also talked trade with the Eagles and Panthers.

This isn’t the first time these two teams have been connected to Watson. The Panthers were mentioned as a potential landing spot early in the offseason, but it was assumed their interest had cooled following the acquisition of Sam Darnold. Following a hot start to the season, Darnold has thrown six interceptions in three-straight Panthers losses. It’s uncertain when the Panthers spoke with the Texans, but it’d make sense if the front office is starting to (once again) rethink their status at QB.

The Eagles have continually been connected to Watson, even through the start of the season. While heard recently that Philly wasn’t in contention for the QB, it’s been a common theme for the Eagles to alternate interest and non-interest in the Texans signal-caller. Former second-round pick Jalen Hurts continues to start for the Eagles, and he’s tossed eight touchdowns vs. only four interceptions despite a 2-4 start.

Meanwhile, Howe and Reiss have additional details on Miami’s interest in Watson, noting that a deal doesn’t appear to be imminent. A few sources told The Athletic that it’s common for “teams to drum up interest in a player” prior to the deadline, so this could ultimately just be an effort from the Texans.

So far, Texans GM Nick Caserio has warded off suitors with a skyhigh asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks (or, two starting-caliber players). He’s also been unwilling to accept conditional choices tied to Watson’s availability, but it’s possible that he’ll bend in order to stock up for the 2022 draft and move on from the Watson mess.