In what now feels like ages ago, there was a moment when Deshaun Watson was going to be the biggest name on the trade market, as he actively voiced his discontent with how things were going with the Texans. There was even a moment in which he was reportedly on the Bears’ radar. But when sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, Chicago’s football team was notably absent from a report naming teams sꦍtill interested in trading for Watson.
Fast forward to August, and one of the teams showing interest back in March has emerged as a front-runne൩r to trade for Watson:
Source: Talks are heating up between and on a Deshaun Watson trade. Still some hurdles to get over. But both sides attempting to come to an agreement.
— Chris Trapasso 🏈 (@ChrisTrapasso)
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso reports the Eagles and Texans are talking Watson trade. But Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio hears differently:
Source says contrary to a re🍨port that trade talks between Eagles and Texans for Deshaun 💞Watson are "heating up," they are not.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk)
Trapasso’s phrasing makes it seem like the two sides are ironing out details. And that is notable for the Texans, Eagles, teams in the NFC East, AFC South, and squads who were still inquiring about Watson. But let’s be real about this. There is still much to iron out. Because while Trapasso might make reference to hurdles, it would be irresponsible (and disrespectful) to look past 22 lawsuits from women . These are serious allegations that shouldn’t be brushed over as a “hurdle.”
Watson reporte🐈d to training ๊camp, but never backed off his trade request, and is essentially participating in a “hold-in” in the opening stages of the buildup to the preseason. As for trade compensation, a report last January was suggesting Houston’s asking price was two first-round picks, two second-rounders, and two young defensive starters. So much has changed since then, that I can’t even wrap my mind around what a deal would cost a team trying to cut it to bring Watson into their mix. Nevertheless, we’ll monitor the situation.