According to ESPN, Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans quarterback, has a no trade clause in his contract. However, he is open to considering multiple options for a new team, as the deadline approaches.
Watson is being considered by multiple teams. However, his interest in joining Miami Dolphins has been a well-kept secret in league circles. The source refuted the idea that it's just Miami or bust. According to the source, Watson will be open to considering other options as they arise.
Sources have confirmed that the Carolina Panthers are considering a move for a franchise quarterback following Sunday's disappointing 25-3 defeat to the New York Giants.
There is a growing possibility that Carolina will rekindle Watson talks. Sources say that Carolina was a serious suitor in the 2021 offseason, before allegations of sexual assault against Watson surfaced. However, Houston general manager Nick Caserio didn't engage with teams at that point.
The first report by the Athletic about the Panthers' renewed interest Watson was published by The Athletic. The NFL trade deadline for Watson is November 2 at 4 pm. ET
The Panthers traded Sam Darnold's second, fourth, and sixth-round draft picks for the New York Jets in April. Darnold has been struggling these past weeks.
Darnold was restrained in the fourth quarter on Sunday, but will continue to be Carolina's starting quarterback "going forward," according coach Matt Rhule. He said that he made the switch against the Giants because the Panthers needed "some spark."
Three days earlier, Darnold received a confidence vote from Rhule. He was also asked about the possibility that the Panthers might trade Watson. Rhule said Thursday to reporters that Darnold is going to be a great quarterback with the Carolina Panthers and that he was "not looking elsewhere" for Watson.
ESPN was told by a league source that the belief is that the last-place Dolphins (now at 1-6) don't want to compete against themselves for Watson. Tua Tagovailoa was a likely part of any Watson trade involving Dolphins. However, Miami lost its sixth consecutive game.
Brian Flores, Dolphins coach, reiterated his support of Tagovailoa amid speculation surrounding the Watson trade. He also stressed that "Tua" is our quarterback.
Sources say that the Broncos were also considered to be a wild card contender for Watson. However, Denver has not made any major moves at this time.
Watson, 26, originally requested a trade with the Texans in January. However, his future in the NFL is uncertain. Three-time Pro Bowler Watson is currently facing 22 active lawsuits for sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour. He has not played in Houston's seven first games of the season.
