A grand jury will be convened to determine if there is sufficient evidence against Texans QB Deshaun Watson to bring criminal charges against him, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 KRIV (via Twitter). As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk observes, Watson’s camp has expected that this would be the case, so it’s not as though the embattled QB is surprised by the development.

Of the 22 women who have filed civil suits against Watson alleging sexual abuse/misconduct, 10 of them have filed criminal complaints. At this time, the Harris County DA’s Office is sending out subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify before the grand jury.

It would not be surprising if an indictment is handed down. As Florio points outs, the nature of grand jury proceedings — which take place without the defendant present and without the opportunity for the defendant’s attorney to cross-examine witnesses — make an indictment relatively easy for prosecutors to obtain. 

If Watson is, in fact, indicted, it would likely be enough for the NFL to place him on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, which has been rumored for some time but which has not happened yet. Following the publication of an expansive piece by Jenny Vrentas of SI.com (subscription required) that criticizes the league’s investigation into the allegations against Watson, the NFL has said there is still no change to Watson’s playing status (Twitter link via ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin).

Indeed, veteran writer Clarence Hill Jr. reports that the league is not planning to interview Watson until it has spoken to all 22 of his accusers, and as of right now, it has only spoken to 10 (Twitter link). So, even if an indictment forces the NFL to put Watson on paid leave, it seems as if this matter is still a long way from a resolution, both in the courtroom and on the football field.

Texans GM Nick Caserio told SportsRadio 610 that he does not expect Deshaun Watson to travel with the team to Green Bay this weekend (Twitter link). So, at minimum, Watson won’t face the Packers to start the preseason. Beyond that, it’s unclear if the Texans will actually put Watson on the field.

Caserio says that both he and head coach David Culley have had multiple conversations with Watson over the last week, but declined to provide much in the way of additional info (Twitter link). Any other talk concerning Watson, he says, is “speculation.” That includes the latest batch of conflicting info — longtime team insider John McClain hears that Watson has played his final down in Houston. Meanwhile, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports hears that the Texans haven’t ruled out some type of arrangement to keep him this year and trade him in 2022, a la Aaron Rodgers.

The Panthers and “several” other teams are said to be keeping tabs on Watson, even though he could be parked on the commissioner’s exempt list at any moment. Right now, it doesn’t sound like the Texans are entertaining calls on their one-time franchise face or backing down from their surprisingly steep asking price — five high draft picks plus quality veterans.

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice on Monday (Twitter link via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com). Still, it’s not clear whether Watson has a future in Houston.

[RELATED: Texans Pause Deshaun Watson Trade Talks?]

Watson will never play another down for the Texans, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Meanwhile, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link) hears that the Texans haven’t ruled out keeping him. The front office may seek an “Aaron Rodgers type of solution,” according to Robinson. Of course, Watson’s situation is far different from Rodgers’ contract dispute.

The Texans’ position on trading Watson is still unclear. Over the weekend we heard that the Texans are not returning calls on the embattled QB. At the same time, they’ve yet to back down from their sky high asking price of five high draft picks plus quality players. Meanwhile, Watson is still facing 22 civil suits, potential discipline from the league office, and an ongoing legal investigation.

Despite it all, the Panthers continue to monitor Watson and “several” other teams have contacted the Texans about the four-year starter. If Watson is traded/suspended/parked on the exempt list, the Texans will move forward with Tyrod Taylor and third-round pick Davis Mills as their top QBs.

Trapped in a historically unusual position, the Texans have been receiving calls on their embattled and disgruntled quarterback. And, after coming off its no-trade stance last month, the team may be backtracking on the Deshaun Watson front for the time being.

The Texans are not returning teams’ calls on Watson, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer (video link). This news comes barely a week after Houston opened the door to a Watson trade. Unreturned calls could well be the product of Watson’s legal situation, which has diminished the three-time Pro Bowler’s value. Teams are almost certainly not willing to meet Houston’s lofty asking price — five high draft picks and quality players — while the 25-year-old passer is embroiled in his present legal situation.

The team has not softened its asking price on Watson, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, despite an ongoing legal investigation into numerous allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. The Houston PD’s investigation, the 22 civil suits and the NFL’s inaction here has complicated the QB’s status. As of now, Watson is not practicing with the Texans. He is believed to be dealing with calf and ankle tightness, according to Sports Talk 790’s Aaron Wilson (on Twitter).

Furthermore, the Texans may not be ready to close the book on Watson suiting up for them again. The team believes Watson will end up wanting to play in Houston again this season, Glazer adds, though the veteran reporter does not seem to believe the fifth-year QB will back down. Watson’s desire to be traded surfaced in January, and after he and the team discussed this stance in July, it appeared the sides were on the same page regarding a separation. The Texans signed Tyrod Taylor and drafted Davis Mills in the third round. Like just about everything Watson-related, this may be murky as well.

It would be quite strange if Watson suited up for the Texans again, and the notion of the QB playing in 2021 while multiple investigations ensue would make for an awkward start to the season. A team that would even come close to meeting the Texans’ asking price would want clarity on Watson’s status, which would likely require the NFL to intervene. Watson landing on the commissioner’s exempt list would pause trade talks but inject some stability into this situation. While that may well need to occur, the league is merely monitoring this situation as of now.

The Panthers are monitoring the Watson saga, too, and Glazer adds that “several teams” have contacted the Texans regarding their four-year starter. Under normal circumstances, the Texans could collect a monster trade haul that would allow Nick Caserio and Co. to begin a rebuild in earnest. It just seems highly unlikely any team would meet Houston’s asking price at this juncture, creating a standstill.

Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston, and the Texans are said to have moved on from their embattled quarterback. However, GM Nick Caserio has put a very high price on Watson. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Caserio is asking for a combination of five high draft picks and quality players in any Watson deal (via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe).

Although no team will pony up that kind of offer while Watson’s status remains so uncertain, Caserio can afford to wait out the process. Watson’s $10.54MM salary for 2021 is not untenable, especially for a club that will not be competing for a playoff spot. If Watson ends up on the Commissioner’s Exempt list until his legal situation is resolved, Houston would be paying him that salary to sit on the sidelines, but even that wouldn’t be a big deal for Caserio. As Volin observes, the rookie GM would happily pay out that money this year in order to maximize his return in a Watson trade in 2022.

Volin also notes that the team is taking efforts to protect its biggest trade chip. Watson reported to training camp to avoid the $50K daily fines mandated by the CBA, but his participation in practices has been light. He has been held out of team drills, and he worked as a scout team safety at one point.

Meanwhile, Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the 22 women who have filed sexual assault/sexual misconduct suit against Watson, issued a definitive denial of reports suggesting that the NFL has not been given access to speak to many of his clients.

“To suggest the NFL hasn’t got enough information or has not been provided access, that’s just demonstrably false. I think if you ask the NFL directly they would have to admit that,” Buzbee said (via Mark Berman of Fox 26). “I don’t know who the sources are or what they’re saying, but I do know my staff has spent many, many, many hours voluntarily, because the NFL asked us to, and these women have went out of their way to provide information.”

Deshaun Watson joined the Texans for practice on Wednesday morning (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Watson will be able to participate in training camp the rest of the way. The NFL issued a statement this week suggesting that Watson could still be placed on paid leave, pending the outcome of their investigation.

“The NFL’s review of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson remains ongoing and active,” the NFL said. “We are working cooperatively with the Houston Police Department and ensuring that the NFL’s inquiry does not interfere with their investigation. As we continue to gather additional information and monitor law enforcement developments, we will make appropriate decisions consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy. At this time there are no restrictions on Watson’s participation in club activities.”

Off the field, Watson is embroiled in civil litigation with lawsuits from 22 different women. Even without criminal charges, Watson could still face league discipline.

Meanwhile, Watson still wants to be traded. But, by reporting to work, he’ll avoid $50K in daily fines. For now, new head coach David Culley will try to navigate things as best he can. Even with Watson on the field, the Texans are probably more focused on getting newcomer Tyrod Taylor and rookie Davis Mills up to speed.

With their training camp less than 24 hours away, the Texans are set to navigate a complex situation with their star quarterback. Deshaun Watson is expected to show for Houston’s Tuesday workout, but a criminal investigation and trade rumblings engulf the Pro Bowl passer.

Texans brass spent months denying Watson was available, but Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com report they are now willing to listen to offers for him (video link). Despite Watson’s legal entanglement, the Texans are asking for a historic return. They want three first-round picks and change for the 25-year-old standout, Pelissero notes.

The Texans and Watson met Monday, and while the summit was cordial, Rapoport indicates the fifth-year QB reaffirmed his trade stance. Under normal circumstances, Watson would bring back a bounty for the Texans and provide plenty of ammo to ignite their rebuild. Teams like the Broncos, Eagles, Panthers and Dolphins and perhaps select others loom as prospective suitors, and certain interested franchises have spent time examining Watson’s legal situation, per NFL.com. Watson has a no-trade clause. He was mentioned as interested in the Broncos, Dolphins and 49ers this offseason, but the talented quarterback likely has hurdles to clear before he gets his wish to leave Houston.

Watson’s legal drama clouds the trade environment, and the Houston Police Department’s investigation into his alleged sexual assault and sexual misconduct has seen some developments. Ten women have now spoken to police in this investigation, according to defense attorney Rusty Hardin (via ESPN.com’s John Barr). Eight of those accusers are part of the 22-woman contingent who have filed civil suit against Watson. Nearly half of the 22 women involved in the civil matter have spoken with the NFL, per Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing them. No depositions have been scheduled, and, further complicating this investigation, Watson is not set to be deposed in the civil suit until February 2022.

Hardin’s team has cooperated with this investigation, but the NFL has yet to interview Watson. This would represent a key step before a Watson placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt list occurs. As of now, however, such a move does not appear to be on the front-burner. Although that could certainly change if the criminal investigation gains more steam, the Texans are now set to have a quarterback in camp entangled in a multifront legal battle and one who has no interest in playing for them again.

Deshaun Watson will report to training camp. As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com observes, Texans quarterbacks are reporting to the team today, and Watson will be with his fellow signal-callers (Twitter link).

Watson, of course, is embroiled in civil litigation thanks to the sexual misconduct and sexual assault lawsuits that 22 different women have filed against him, but it’s presently unclear if Watson and the plaintiffs are close to a settlement. And, as Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network tweets, no criminal charges are imminent either. So even though there was a belief that the NFL would step in and park Watson on the Commissioner’s Exempt list if and when he reported to camp, Garafolo believes the league will simply monitor the situation for now.

Another veteran NFL reporter, Josina Anderson, has the same understanding. Anderson’s sources say the league will wait for official findings from Texas authorities before taking any action of its own (Twitter link).

Despite the maelstrom of controversy surrounding him, Watson remains adamant that he wants out of Houston (though as ESPN’s Ed Werder tweets, no rival clubs have asked Watson to waive his no-trade clause as of yet). However, since holding out of training camp would subject him to unwaivable $50K daily fines, it was expected that the three-time Pro Bowler would show up as required. 

This is a unique and complicated situation for rookie head coach David Culley and rookie GM Nick Caserio. Having commissioner Roger Goodell step in and declare Watson temporarily ineligible would help to bring a little normalcy to training camp, but it doesn’t sound as if that will be happening (at least not before practices begin). So Culley will be tasked with handling the Watson matter while also trying to get free agent acquisition Tyrod Taylor and top draft choice Davis Mills ready to go for the start of the season.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com hears that the Texans have moved on from Watson and are prepared to go forward with Taylor and Mills, unless Watson’s presence at the team facilities somehow leads to a reconciliation (Twitter link).