Deshaun Watson expected to be traded before deadline

The Deshaun Watson saga could take a big step forward this week amid reports that the Houston Texans will deal him ahead of the trade deadline.

One of the big mysteries in the NFL this season has been how exactly the Deshaun Watson situation will play out. Watson has been asked to stay away from the Houston Texans after requesting a trade during the offseason as well as facing 22 pending civil lawsuits alleging he sexually assaulted women but it now appears the first issue could be resolved as soon as this week.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that there are expectations around the league that Watson will be dealt prior to the Nov. 2 trade deadline. Houston’s asking price has remained steep, with FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reporting that the Texans are still seeking at least three first-round picks in a deal for Watson.

Where will Deshaun Watson end up?

The most probable landing spot for Watson remains the Miami Dolphins, who have been linked to the star quarterback for a long time, including reports earlier this week that a deal was close. Glazer mentioned in his reporting for FOX today that the Dolphins have the offer to beat right now but Rapoport mentioned multiple teams remain interested in Watson, including the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.

There are also concerns about the potential Watson could be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list due to the civil lawsuits, but Rapoport reported on NFL Network this morning that the wording of the policy only gives Roger Goodell the power to suspend Watson if he has been charged criminally, which hasn’t happened to this point.

That is an important distinction since Watson, who has been working out to stay in NFL shape, would be immediately eligible to play for his new team. There would likely be an acclimation period for Watson to learn his new team’s playbook but it wouldn’t be surprising at this point to see Watson back in an NFL huddle within the next few weeks.