The quarterbacks have unquestionably dominated the 2022 NFL offseason thus far. Free agency hasn’t even started yet, and we’ve already seen Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz find new homes, while Aaron Rodgers recommitted to the Green Bay Packers for at least one more season.
And based on recent reports, we could be seeing another big name quarterback find a new home as early as next Wednesday.
According to ProFootball Talk’s Mike Florio, Deshaun Watson could be traded as soon as Wednesday, should he avoid any felony charges when his case is brought before a grand jury on Friday.
Watson still has 22 civil cases pending against him, but teams are reportedly willing to look past that, as long as the Texans quarterback isn’t facing any felony charges — which would them place him on paid leave, pending the results of the case.
Heck, the Panthers were even willing to make a trade for him with the investigation still pending, according to Florio. However, Watson refused to waive his no-trade clause.
Via PFT:
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As we previously have reported, multiple teams are willing to trade for Watson without the 22 civil cases pending against him resolved. The current impediment continues to be the possibility that Watson will be indicted on one or more felony charges, and then placed on paid leave pending the resolution of the prosecution. (Last season, the Panthers were willing to trade for him despite the criminal investigation, but Watson wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause.)
If the grand jury does not indict Watson on felony charges, he could be traded when the new league year begins next week.
Florio points out that even without criminal charges, Watson could still be facing a suspension that keeps him our for a few games next season. However, acquiring the former Clemson quarterback would not be a one-year deal, but rather a long-term play. So losing Deshaun to a short suspension wouldn’t be much of a deterrent for any team pursuing a trade for him.
This all seems to go hand-in-hand with what former Eagles president Joe Banner was saying when he pointed out four key criteria that must be met in order for a team to make a move for Watson this offseason.
