Report: Deshaun Watson's 2021 status in jeopardy

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson may not see the field this season, as a new report from A.J. Perez says that it’s looking more unlikely that the criminal inquiry over allegations of sexual misconduct will be completed before the Nov. 2 NFL trade deadline.

It’s been a month since it was first reported that a grand jury would decide whether Watson will face criminal charges, and Perez reported that “prosecutors have yet to present the case — at least in full — to the grand jury.” Perez added that there’s “some hope” the grand jury will have its decision in October, but not only has the grand jury not seen all of the evidence, but “there are some indications that investigators are still gathering info.”

Watson has been under investigation by both the NFL and police since Aug. 18 after 22 women accused the quarterback of various acts of sexual assault and harassment. He first requested a trade this past spring, but with the sexual misconduct clouding his playing status, many NFL teams have either backed out of trade talks or have sought out protection, if an agreement is reached.

NFL teams have inquired about Deshaun Watson

The NFL rumor mill has been turned on its head since Watson first requested a trade. Yahoo! Sports’ Charles Robinson reported on Aug. 28 that the Miami Dolphins had emerged as a frontrunner in trade talks for Watson.

It appeared as though the Texans set a lofty price tag on their former franchise quarterback, however, who has been inactive for the entire preseason and regular season so far.

“Sources tell Yahoo! Sports the Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunner in trade discussions with the Texans for QB Deshaun Watson,” Robinson said. “The Texans are seeking 3 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks in negotiations, according to a team that dropped out of trade talks.

“Sources said the Panthers, Broncos and Eagles were also in some element of trade consideration. But Watson’s contractual right to approve the trade destination – which was signed off on by Houston ownership in his last extension – has weighed heavily in trade opportunities.”

As of Aug. 30, according to NBC Sports, Watson still had hope a trade would come to fruition. The Dolphins were still the frontrunners, NBC said.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, however, gave little indication that the franchise is pursuing Watson. Roughly 24 hours after the Miami Dolphins reportedly emerged as a frontrunner for Watson, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores addressed the rumors by simply reinforcing his trust in second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Watson has had a stellar four-year career with the Texans, totaling 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He made three Pro Bowl rosters and in 2020 was the NFL’s leader in passing yards with 4,823. A former quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, Watson led them to the College Football playoff twice, including a national championship victory over Alabama in 2017.