Report: Deshaun Watson expected to meet with two NFL teams over next 48 hours

On Monday morning, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Deshaun Watson could be on the move before the start of free agency, adding that the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints sound like the current favorites to land the Houston Texans star — and now, it appears as though the choice may be up to Watson.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported shortly thereafter that Watson is “expected to meet in the next 48 hours” with the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, amongst other teams, to discuss the possibility of a potential trade.

Watson, who sat out the entire NFL season while under investigation after 22 women accused the quarterback of various acts of sexual assault and harassment, has a no-trade clause in his contract, so the landing spot may ultimately be up to him. However, at least as it stands, the Panthers and the Saints must be offering enough to interest the Texans in an early-stage meeting.

NFL insider reveals two teams have offered draft-heavy trades for Deshaun Watson

Watson was playing at his prime before the accusations came in, but he was forced to sit out while his case was ongoing. While a few teams appeared to have expressed interest in Watson last season, it appeared unlikely that anyone would make an offer with potential legal punishment and/or NFL suspensions looming. However, a grand jury concluded Friday that Watson would not face any criminal charges, which may provide NFL franchises with enough reassurance to seek a trade.

Despite the controversy of the past calendar year, Watson’s trade value has hardly changed, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who said that the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints are still willing to make strong offers to reel in a franchise quarterback.

“The market for Deshaun Watson is heating up, and the hope and the belief is that he should have a decision — and the Houston Texans should have a decision — in the next several days before the start of free agency,” Rapoport said. “The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers are among the teams that have made strong offers for Deshaun Watson. The offers are expected to be and believed to be in the range of three first-round picks and potentially more. This has been the price for Deshaun Watson, a franchise quarterback in his prime, locked up on contract for several years.”

When the Miami Dolphins first emerged as a potential trade suitor early in the 2021 season, the trade package for Watson was similar to what it is now — albeit, with a bit more added draft-pick compensation. In late August, the Texas reportedly set an asking price of three first-round picks and two second-round picks. There is one more interesting wrinkle in the Watson trade talks that Rapoport pointed out Monday: the no-trade clause, which allows Watson to have final say.

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.