The Deshaun Watson rumor mill has slowed to a near-standstill with the Texans quarterback still facing a litany of lawsuits alleging sexual assault or misconduct. But that could change very soon. In fact, the former Pro Bowler might be on a new team within days.
The Texans and Dolphins want to finalize a trade involving the quarterback before the NFL’s Nov. 2 in-season trade deadline, the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reports, and could strike a deal as early as this week.
The Texans (1-5) are clearly focused on the future in the wake of their fourth straight loss, with rookie Davis Mills set to remain under center in Week 7 and longtime pass rusher Whitney Mercilus released on Tuesday. That future does not include Watson, who has repeatedly made it clear behind closed doors that he wants to be traded.
The 26-year-old Watson has a no-trade clause on the four-year, $156 million contract he signed in 2020, but has Miami “high on his list” of preferred landing spots, per McClain.Texans general manager Nick Caserio has been asking for three first-round picks, as well as two second-rounders, in exchange for Watson, according to McClain. It’s unclear whether the Dolphins would actually meet that asking price, and it’s also unclear if Miami is waiting to strike until the quarterback’s legal situation is resolved.
