With quarterback Deshaun Watson showing up for training camp and with the NFL not instructing him to go home with pay, it’s time for the Texans to begin yelling “sell!”
That’s precisely what they’ve done, leaking to the league-owned media outlet that the team is now (and supposedly has been) willing to listen to offers for Watson. But the price, as the team has leaked to the media company it partially owns, will be high — at least three first-round draft picks “and more.”
Multiple teams had hinged any serious interest on Watson in Watson getting the 22 civil lawsuits against him resolved. Those cases are still pending, and the criminal investigation sparked by some of those same complaints has not yet been closed. Also, even if the NFL has not placed Watson on paid leave yet, that immediately could change based on new allegations or evidence.
Quarterbacks are reporting today in Houston, and #Texans QB Deshaun Watson is expected to be among them, source said. He’s showing up for testing to begin entry into training camp. However, Watson’s stance about the organization and desire to be traded remains unchanged.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2021
Quarterback Deshaun Watson will report to the Texans today to avoid being fined $50K per day during their training camp, per @WerderEdESPN. Watson’s trade request remains in effect, with source saying nothing has changed in that regard.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2021