Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been the subject of several deeply disturbing allegations this week.
What started out as a single accusation on Monday has grown exponentially since then, with as many as six lawsuits being filed.
Understandably, given the gravity of the claims made against Watson, many have forgotten that he has been on a months-long crusade to get traded. His recent troubles have obviously complicated that whole situation.
This week, however, a new potential suitor for Watson’s services emerged.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately getting something done for Watson would not shock folks around the NFL.
“Too many sources with ties to ownership have whispered that sentiment my way for me to ignore,” he wrote. “And the more you think about it, the more sense it makes. The more you wonder why you hadn’t explored the avenue sooner. The more you ponder why more isn’t being reported on this front. Because crazier things have happened in the league, by a long shot.”
This aligns with something John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wrote this week.
“The Texans haven’t said they’re not trading Watson since January,” he noted. “I expect him to be traded.”
LaMelo decided to invite a special guest. https://t.co/nC2CuuD7yJ
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 17, 2021
This past year Watson led the NFL in total passing yards with 4,823, ranked second in passer rating with 112.4 and yards per game with 301.4, and tied for seventh in touchdowns with 33.
By any objective measure, he is still an immensely talented player who could completely alter the current trajectory of the Eagles or any other team he joins. Which is precisely why there are two teams making a heavy play for him, he has approved a deal to three possible organizations, and he has enough sway to outwardly declare that there’s one squad he simply won’t play for.
All that said – the allegations that have been levied against Watson are extremely serious. And any team that makes a move for him will ultimately need to determine if the message that sends and the circus that accompanies him is really worth it.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
