The Saints and Panthers look like the clubhouse leaders to accumulate Deshaun Watson.
Each groups have made affords for the Texans quarterback, in accordance with the NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, following a grand jury ruling Friday that Watson wouldn't face felony prices for sexual misconduct.
The Saints and Panthers, nonetheless, aren’t the one groups concerned, because the floodgates have now opened for a take care of prices now not hanging over Watson’s head. Watson reportedly has a no-trade clause and needs to fulfill with groups earlier than waiving it.
He can be a logical slot in both New Orleans or Carolina. The Saints went 9-8 final yr with a motley crew of Jameis Winston, Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill enjoying quarterback, and would soar up a degree with Watson beneath heart. The Panthers owned a 5-12 report juggling their beginning spot between Sam Darnold, Cam Newton and P.J. Walker.
Watson didn’t play in 2021 because of the prices levied towards him, however led the league with 4,823 passing yards in 2020. He led the Texans to the playoffs in 2018 and 2019 earlier than issues fell aside in 2020.
The Panthers have been linked to Watson for a while, making an attempt to commerce for him final season earlier than allegations got here to gentle and with ESPN reporting Saturday that the crew will make an “aggressive” run for the QB.
The Dolphins have been reportedly a suitor for Watson forward of the commerce deadline, in the end declining to tug the set off, however they haven’t but been named as one this time round. The Vikings, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Steelers, Eagles and Colts are groups to observe within the Watson sweepstakes as nicely, with the Browns having “finished their homework” on him as nicely, per the Cleveland Plain Vendor.
Watson nonetheless faces civil lawsuits from 22 therapeutic massage therapists who're accusing him of sexual misconduct, and sat for 2 depositions associated to these instances on Friday. Watson invoked the Fifth Modification, declining to reply questions on the grounds the solutions may incriminate himself, throughout two civil depositions on Friday. He has publicly denied wrongdoing. His legal professional, Rusty Hardin, has stated that the sexual acts described by therapeutic massage therapists have been consensual.
“Once you stand on the TRUTH, the LORD will FREE you!” Watson tweeted on Friday night time.
The NFL’s private conduct investigation into Watson additionally stays open, per The Athletic, with the league having spoken to 10 of his accusers however not him. Which means it’s nonetheless potential Watson may face a suspension, however that doesn’t appear to have delay potential suitors.
Watson was not suspended final season and was paid by the Texans, although he didn’t play and was not part of the crew.
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