The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have made a commercial offer for Deshaun Watson and plan to meet with the Houston Texans quarterback soon, According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
While it is unusual for a contract player to meet with other teams, Watson is said to be unwilling to waive his trading ban without first meeting with a potential team and player. Texas agrees with his exploration of the market.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Texan’s asking price for Watson was more than three times the first-round pick, and many teams — perhaps including the saints and the Panthers — were ready to bid. Aaron Wilson of Professional Football Network reported on Sunday that other teams are interested Trades for Watson include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns.
Watson, 26, was Texas’s first hot favorite in 2017 and won three trips straight to the Pro Bowl between 2018 and 2020. However, he’s sidelined the entire 2021 season after multiple women brought allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault by Watson. On Friday, a grand jury in Houston voted not to charge Watson over 10 criminal complaints, but he still faces 22 civil lawsuits. The NFL is still likely to be suspended.
In four NFL seasons, Watson hit 104 touchdown passes with 36 interceptions, and he also scored 17 quick touchdowns.
