On Friday, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson found out he will not face criminal charges for sexual assault allegations dating back to 2021. A grand jury made the determination, and it’s the first step to getting the uber-talented dual-threat signal caller back on the gridiron. An elated Watson knows it isn’t over, but he cleared a big hurdle with Friday’s ruling.
When you stand on the TRUTH, the LORD will FREE you! 🙏🏾
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) March 11, 2022
Following the announcement Watson who’s been quiet as he followed his lawyer’s orders, spoke to reporters:
“It’s definitely an emotional moment for me. I know we’re far from handling what we need to handle on the legal side, but today is definitely a big day. I thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for letting the truth be heard. That’s what I and my team wanted to do is have a fair slate of us telling our side of the story and letting the conclusion come down to what happened today. That’s what the grand jury decided on. … I’m gonna keep fighting to rebuild my name and rebuild my appearance in the community.”
Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2022
“We’re gonna continue to — on the legal side and off the field — handle what we need to handle. Also get ready to get back on the field. Been prepping for that and ready to go for that. Thank my family and all my close supporters that’s been behind me this past year. Also thank my team that’s been behind me and supported me and keeping me up this year. I’m gonna continue to just keep pushing forward and build my name back to where it was, if not better.”
Watson didn’t play the entire 2021 season due the sexual misconduct allegations, and his current team the Texans announced a few weeks that they hoped to have a trade for Watson in place by March 16. There will be no shortage of suitors for a franchise quarterback in his prime at age 26. He’s also just two seasons removed from leading the league in passing yards. The three-time Pro Bowl player is a franchise-changing talent.
Trade market for Deshaun Watson now is expected to ramp up, quickly. Houston will be opening to moving him and multiple teams are expected to be interested, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2022
Teams Who Really Have Shot To Land Watson
Eagles Ready To Skirt On Jalen Hurts?
In Philly, they say they’re all-in on Jalen Hurts, while that sounds good, if they can get Watson they become instant favorites in the NFC East and Super Bowl contenders. The Eagles own three first-round picks, their own, a pick via the Dolphins, who traded up to get Jaylen Waddle in last year’s draft, plus the Colts pick for the Carson Wentz trade.
The team raved about Hurts during the Combine, but it could’ve been a ploy to raise his trade value if Watson were to waive his no-trade clause to come to the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Philly has a nice nucleus and strong offensive line. Their skilled positions feature wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor, running back Miles Sanders and tight end Dallas Goedert.
Carolina Needs A Game Changer
The Panthers are likely to go all-in for Watson, as head coach Matt Rhule has made a mess of his QB and OC situation during his tenure in Charlotte. Cam Newton and Sam Darnold were awful last season, and the Carolina has a solid roster.
Panthers also have money and quality offensive talent in tailback Christian McCaffrey, and wide receivers Robby Anderson, DJ Moore and Terrace Marshall. While their offensive line needs to be upgraded, they have already acknowledged that’s a premium this offseason.
Many teams like the Steelers, Commanders, Dolphins, Vikings, and Giants will all reach out to gauge the availability of the former Clemson Tiger’s services. Others such as the Colts, who have plenty of draft capital and cap space with the trade of Carson Wentz, won’t land him because he’s in their division and the Texans won’t want to face him twice a year. The Buccaneers need a QB with Brady retiring, but their cap is completely screwed.
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Seahawks Would Be A Great Fit
The Seahawks are a real sleeper and just got five picks from the Broncos for Russell Wilson. Plus, they opened up $27.6 million in cap space with the trade of Wilson and release of All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. With quarterback Drew Lock and those picks it could work. Seattle has quality offensive talent in wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, plus running Chris Carson.
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Where he ends up remains to be seen. But one thing for sure, and two things for certain, Watson’s played his last game in H-Town.
