Houston Texans signal caller Deshaun Watson, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, is open to multiple options for a new team as the trade deadline grows near, Tuesday, November 2, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Watson’s no-trade clause means that he can veto trades to certain teams.
Many teams are interested in the services of Watson and his wanting to be a part of the Miami Dolphins is no secret, but he is willing to look and listen to offers as they become available.
According to multiple sources, the Carolina Panthers have become one of the leading candidates, who are evaluating their options for a franchise quarterback after Sunday’s dismal performance, (25-3) against the New York Giants.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk stated that the Panthers are the second of two teams, along with Miami, that are currently in play for Watson.
“The decision as to a final destination likely will be made by Watson, who has a no-trade clause and thus can veto any specific deal,” Florio writes. “Watson, put simply, has a decision to make.
“A decision is expected soon. It’s not impossible that someone else could get involved. At this point, however, it’s the Dolphins as the favorites and the Panthers as the next possible landing spot, with Watson being the one who will make the final call.”
The Panthers, especially after the poor performances from current starting quarterback Sam Darnold over the last several weeks, seem ready to commit themselves to some kind of offer for the Pro Bowl passer. The question is, is he ready and able to make a long term commitment to Carolina.
Carolina was in serious pursuit of Watson early in the 2021 offseason before sexual assault allegations and inappropriate behavior arose against him, but according to sources, Texans general manager Nick Caserio was not taking any trade offers at that time. Watson still has 22 active lawsuits. He has been inactive for Houston’s first seven games this season.
Back in April, the Panthers traded second-, fourth- and sixth-round picks to the New York Jets for Darnold, and so far it has not gone as planned. Darnold was benched early in the fourth quarter Sunday but will remain Carolina’s starter “going forward,” according to coach Matt Rhule, who said he made the quarterback switch against the Giants because the Panthers “needed somewhat of a spark.”
Things can change rather quickly in the NFL. The benching came just 72 hours after Darnold was given a vote of confidence by Rhule, who was asked by the media about the possibility of the Panthers going after Watson in a trade. Rhule told reporters Thursday that Darnold “is going to be a great quarterback for the Carolina Panthers” and that he is “not looking anywhere else,” regarding Watson.
One league source stated that the belief that the last-place Dolphins, who fell to 1-6 with Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, 30-28, do not want to bid against themselves for Watson. Tua Tagovailoa, who would likely be a part of the trade involving Watson, threw a career-high four touchdown passes against the Falcons.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores stated again in a press conference his support for Tagovailoa last week amid the Watson trade speculations, emphasizing that “Tua is our quarterback.”
The wild-card in this scenario is the Denver Broncos, but they have not made a serious offer at this point in time, according to sources. They do have the services of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
