Report: Saints make a trade offer to the Texans for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Is New Orleans finalizing a deal to get quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Saints?
The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have submitted trade proposals to the Houston Texans for quarterback Deshaun Watson.The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the specifics of the offers have yet to be published.
Watson has a no-trade provision, which must be waived and approved before Houston can pursue trade.
According to Rapoport, New Orleans is likely to meet with Watson. Other clubs that may be interested in trading for Watson include Seattle, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh.
The 26-year-old Watson sat out the 2021 season after being accused of sexual misconduct by 23 women. On Friday, a Houston grand jury exonerated Watson of any criminal charges, paving the way for a possible transfer.
Houston is allegedly demanding three first-round draft selections as compensation for Watson.
Watson was the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Clemson. He was the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback for four seasons. Watson has twice led the Texans to the playoffs and won three consecutive Pro Bowls between 2018 and 2020.
Watson has completed over 70% of his career attempts, averaging 269 yards per game and totaling 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. In 2020, he led the NFL with 4,823 yards and a career-high 33 touchdown passes.
Watson, a dynamic playmaker, with outstanding athleticism, including a cannon arm and perfect accuracy. In 2020, Houston extended Watson’s contract for four years, at a reported $160 million. In 2022, he anticipates having around $40 million in cap space.
Last season, New Orleans ranked 28th in overall offense and 32nd in passing productivity. Starting quarterback Jameis Winston replaced the retiring Drew Brees, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8.
Winston will be an unrestricted free agent on March 16.
