Just a few hours after Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross dismissed questions about possible interest in Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, a new report is suggesting that a deal has been done, but questions still remain.
Per longtime Houston Chronicle reporter John McClain, the Dolphins and Texans have agreed on compensation and Ross has signed off on the deal, but on the condition that Watson settles his legal issues stemming from 22 accusations of sexual misconduct and assault. The Dolphins also want some type of information from Roger Goodell on whether Watson would be suspended under the league’s personal conduct policy.
The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss wrote that the if the Texans decided to trade Watson now, they lose the certainty of knowing where some of the draft picks they acquire will fall in the order.
Reiss added if teams wait until the draft, they can trade picks from four years out instead of just three, which could enhance the potential package on the table for Watson.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday at the league owners meetings that the NFL doesn’t yet have enough information about the 22 civil lawsuits that have been filed against Watson for inappropriate sexual behavior to make a decision on potential discipline.
“Obviously, the police have been investigating, and we don’t have access to all of that information at this point in time,” Goodell said. “We pride ourselves on not interfering in that and in being as cooperative as we can in order to get all the facts. I think that process is still ongoing.”
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Watson’s legal situation could possibly get worse as he does not face criminal charges but there are multiple open criminal investigations, which would undercut the value Houston gets in a trade.
