The Saints and Panthers appear to be the top clubs that have acquired Deshawn Watson.
Both teams made offers for the Texas quarterback, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, after a grand jury ruled Friday that Watson would not be prosecuted for sexual harassment.
The Saints and Panthers aren’t the only teams involved, however, as the floodgates are now open for a deal and the charges no longer hang over Watson’s head. Watson reportedly has a no-trade clause and wants to meet with the teams before giving it up.
It is logical that he would fit into both New Orleans and the Carolinas. Last year, the Saints went 9-8 with a ragtag team of quarterbacks Jameis Winston, Trevor Simian and Tice Hill and jumped up a notch with Watson at center. The Panthers posted a 5-12 record by juggling their starting spot between Sam Darnold, Cam Newton and PJ Walker.
Watson did not play in 2021 due to the allegations against him, but led the league with 4,823 passing yards in 2020. He led the Texans to the playoffs in 2018 and 2019 before everything fell apart in 2020.
Deshaun WatsonGetty Images/Carmen Mandato
The Panthers were linked with Watson for some time, trying to trade him last season before the allegations came to light, and ESPN reported Saturday that the team would make an “aggressive” attempt to get QB.
The Dolphins were reported to have been fans of Watson until the trade deadline, ultimately refusing to pull the trigger, but they were not yet named as such this time around. The Vikings, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Steelers, Eagles and Colts are also teams to watch in Watson’s draw, and the Browns “did their homework” on him too, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Watson is still facing civil lawsuits from 22 massage therapists alleging sexual harassment, and he sat in on Friday for two depositions related to the cases. Watson invoked the Fifth Amendment by refusing to answer questions on the grounds that the answers could be incriminating against him during two civil deposition Friday. He publicly denied wrongdoing. His attorney, Rusty Hardin, said the sex acts described by the masseurs were consensual.
“When you stand on the TRUTH, THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU!” Watson tweeted Friday night.
When you stand on the TRUTH, THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU! 🙏🏾
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) March 11, 2022
The NFL’s investigation into Watson’s personal conduct also remains open, according to The Athletic, as the league spoke to 10 of his accusers, but not to him. This means Watson could still be out of the running, but that doesn’t seem to have deterred potential fans.
Watson was not suspended last season and was paid by the Texans, although he did not play or be part of the team.