Report: Deshaun Watson will be traded by NFL trade deadline
The end of the Deshaun Watson era with the Houston Texans appears to be nearing. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning that Watson is expected to be traded by the Nov. 2 NFL trade deadline.
Watson has multiple active allegations against him accusing him of sexual assault. But Rapoport still believes that a trade involving Watson is not only possible, but likely.
“The biggest name that could be traded before the November 2nd deadline based on everything I have heard, the hope, the belief, the expectation is something will happen involving a trade and Deshaun Watson,” Rapoport said. “There’s been plenty of rumors around this so take this for what it is. But the expectation is that something will be completed by November 2nd.
“Multiple teams are still interested in trading for Deshaun Watson. There was a report earlier in the week about the Dolphins. They are not alone. Among the teams that have been discusses over the past several months are the Panthers, Broncos, the Eagles, and some others.”
Rapoport: Watson should be eligible to play following trade from Texans
Watson is not currently playing with the Texans, although he is still on the team’s roster. He has not been active and he has continued working out and staying in shape on his own. The Texans reportedly have a high asking price for Watson, but if the team can come to terms on a deal, a deal could come soon. Rapoport also expects Watson to be eligible to play.
“His legal situation remains unsettled, of course the civil and criminal allegations of sexual misconduct. I’m told there are still teams interested in trading for him despite the fact this is still unsettled,” Rapoport said. “Watson also has a no trade clause, the belief is he will waive it for Miami. Unclear as of now what he would do for the others.
“I have not heard that he is going to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. Even if someone trades for him, even if his legal situation is unsettled, barring some sort of unexpected development, I would expect him to be eligible to play.”
The former Clemson star has thrown for 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions in his four-year NFL career so far. Watson also has 17 rushing touchdowns.