Reports are swirling regarding the Miami Dolphins and their interest in Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Twitter is losing its mind.
Deshaun Watson might be on the move.
Early on Saturday morning, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported some around the league believed the Carolina Panthers or Miami Dolphins would soon be acquiring Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Hours later, Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson took to Twitter, also reporting Miami’s noted interest in Watson, while also saying the Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos have some level of intrigue. However, the Texans want three first and two second-round selections in return. The ask has been balked at while teams seek protection for their picks while Watson faces 22 civil suits for allegations of sexual assault.
Deshaun Watson to the Dolphins? Trade rumors are swirling
Unsurprisingly, Twitter has reacted to the news:
I'll have deeper analysis on the Dolphins in Stacking The Box come Monday morning, but I'm baffled in the moment for a variety of reasons.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) August 28, 2021
My immediate takeaway, though?
If you're willing to consider trading five top-tier picks, you're already out on Tua.
Or, hear me out here, the NFL and all of its teams could just say “hey how about we not do Football Stuff regarding Watson right now” https://t.co/uTR0MWs4JD
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) August 28, 2021
There is no way a functioning, serious NFL team would meet that asking price for Watson right now. If a team does, they are not a functioning, serious team.
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) August 28, 2021
Don't understand why any team would pay 3 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks, or close, at this point. Nothing has changed that we know of that has made Watson more valuable than he has been all offseason. https://t.co/wQQnKSQO0W
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) August 28, 2021
#Dolphins were always the best combination of 1) assets to make a deal 2) potentially contending team with a QB upgrade *NEED*, actively seeking that upgrade & 3) Watson’s preference.
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) August 28, 2021
Interesting details here from Charles. Great get. https://t.co/cW1mhwo8Ow
With the roster cutdowns for every NFL team taking place on Tuesday, we’re going to see ample trades while general managers get ready for the regular season. While Watson could certainly be dealt after Tuesday, the moment might represent an inflection point, as mentioned by Pro Football Talk.
The Dolphins, who have quarterback Tua Tagovailoa entering his second season, either see a generational talent in Watson or don’t believe in Tagovailoa. It’s a fascinating development from a football standpoint, but also macabre when you consider Watson’s legal trouble.
Any team, Miami or otherwise, willing to trade for Watson in his current situation is taking a large, ugly risk.