The Deshaun Watson trade chatter (that has been making noise for, oh, about 11th months now) will very likely see another year. Reports suggest he is staying put, at least for now.
Although the Dolphins did due diligence on Deshaun Watson and had conversations with Houston, Miami will not make a trade for the QB, per source. Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross, who had contingencies that needed to be met for any deal, made the final decision to not move forward.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2021
From NFL Now: The #Texans won't trade Deshaun Watson by the trade deadline. A look at how and why. pic.twitter.com/WvkgPhSkj5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2021
Unless something unexpected happens between now and the NFL’s 3 p.m. CT to execute a trade, the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins won’t be doing a Watson deal. Once reportedly close to pulling through with a trade, it doesn’t seem that talks ever got that serious. This means Tua Tagovailoa will remain in place as Miami’s QB1 for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, Watson will resume his role as hanging on as an afterthought as Houston’s QB3.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Dolphins owner Stephen Ross needed “contingencies” in order for any trade to get the green light. I imagine the reference to the necessary “contingencies” had to do with the 20+ civil lawsuits Watson faces after alleged sexual misconduct and assault by multiple massage therapists. But with no settlement in that area, and no “contingencies” met, Watson won’t go to Miami. At least, not right now.
The Dolphins have long been considered a front-runner. But there was a point in which the Eagles were jockeying for position to acquire Watson. And the Panthers were another team also reportedly showing recent interest. But in the end, not only is a deal not going through now, it doesn’t seem as if one will be pushed through until a conclusion comes down on the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct Watson is currently facing.