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Rubbing the Rock
Fansided

Report: Texans to trade Deshaun Watson

By Marty Coleman

Dec 20, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston (50) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston (50) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now that a Harris County grand jury has declined to indict Deshaun Watson the former Clemson Tiger quarterback is likely to be traded by the Houston Texans.

Watson would first have to waive his no trade clause, but that’s not expected to be an issue given that Watson demanded a trade prior to his legal troubles surfaced last year.

Watson could still be subject to discipline by the NFL, much like the punishment Ben Roethlisberger was handed in 2010, but the teams interested in trading for him are aware that may happen.

The Carolina Panthers reportedly will aggressively pursue Watson, as they did last offseason before Watson’s legal issues became known.

Among other teams that could make sense for Watson are the Seattle Seahawks, who just traded Russell Wilson and the New Orleans Saints, where Drew Brees retired.

Until recently it was thought the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would also be interested in Watson, but on Sunday, Tom Brady announced his return for the 2022 season.

The Texans can agree to a trade at any time, but it can’t be made official until the league year begins on Wednesday, March 14 at 4 p.m. EST.

Watson still faces 22 separate civil lawsuits from the allegations, but that does not seem to be deterring teams from pursuing the quarterback.

Carolina appears to be the most interested in Watson, but the star quarterback will be due thirty-five million dollars in 2022 and the Panthers currently have thirty-one million dollars in space, so they’ll have to create room.

Carolina does own the sixth pick in this years NFL draft and if that were part of a package for Watson the Texans would own two of the top six picks in the upcoming draft.

In four seasons with the Texans Watson threw for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns with 36 interceptions, while rushing for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns.  He did not play at all in 2021.

Watson, 26, led Clemson to the 2016 National Championship in a 35-31 thriller over Alabama.

In three seasons at Clemson, Watson passed for 10,168 yards and 90 touchdowns, rushed for almost 2,000 and twenty-six more touchdowns, while finishing third in the 2015 Heisman voting and second in 2016.

Watson was drafted twelfth overall by the Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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