The Deshaun Watson sweepstakes have been underway since last week when the Houston Texans quarterback was cleared of criminal charges in the many, many sexual harassment lawsuits against him. While he still could face significant civil penalties, the big issue keeping many NFL teams from trading for him.
Two teams originally emerged as the front-runners for Watson, who has a no-trade clause and is essentially deciding where he wants to play. The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers were said to be the only two NFL teams that Watson hadn’t personally rejected. The Cleveland Browns were reportedly interested as well but that went nowhere.
However, when word broke that the Atlanta Falcons were interested in acquiring Watson, he apparently reached out to the team personally. And that interest has continued to the point where the Falcons are working with Matt Ryan on his bonus payment so that they can avoid paying it if they need to trade him.
Texans’ QB Deshaun Watson is expected to meet in the next 48 hours with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, amongst other teams, per league sources. Watson wants to meet with them just as they want to meet with him before trade talks ramp up.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
Now comes news that Watson has narrowed his list down to two teams again, but this time, the Panthers are no longer on the shortlist.
Two teams left for Deshaun Watson are now the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. https://t.co/lfyibM8mpn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
It’s hard to say exactly what changed Watson’s mind but clearly, he seems to like what he’s hearing from the Falcons, despite the fact that their wide receiving corp in 2022 leaves a lot to be desired.
As for what the Panthers do now, some have wondered if they’ll look to Baker Mayfield, who wants to be traded by the Browns.
It sounds like we’ll likely know which team Watson wants to play for in the next day or so, ensuring that the Texans and the other franchise will have time to finalize the trade deal. Until then, we’ll continue speculation where Deshaun Watson plays in 2022 and what it says that so many NFL teams are falling over themselves to get him.
