Let's Set Odds: Where Will Deshaun Watson be Traded?
By Matt De Saro
The looming divorce between Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans is finally starting to gain some traction.
From demanding a trade in the previous offseason, to several ongoing legal issues involving multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, and then eventually not playing a down in 2021, Watson still has reported interest by multiple NFL teams. I'm surprised a deal hasn't happened yet, but General Manager Nick Caserio appears to be content to wait it out for the right fish to bite.
It's difficult to believe that any team will pursue Watson until his civil lawsuits have been taken care of one way or another. But after being inactive all of last year, the former first round pick is reportedly healthy and ready to play.
So which teams are most likely to pursue Watson, even with his future uncertain?
Let's set some odds for where he might end up next year.
Deshaun Watson Odds for Where He Plays in 2022
- Carolina Panthers +400
- Minnesota Vikings +800
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1000
Carolina Panthers +400
The Panthers get the top spot here simply because as far as I can tell, they are the only team that has expressed a desire to sign Watson. The pair reportedly got close during the season, but ended talks when his legal issues continued to grow.
The Panthers felt the Texans wanted too much for the risk they needed to take on and backed out. Carolina still needs to find a franchise QB and bolster their offensive line if they have a shot to compete at the highest level.
Minnesota Vikings +800
While I haven’t heard anything about Watson’s interest in Carolina, he has spoken about wanting to play in Minnesota. Problem is, they still have Kirk Cousins under contract.
While the Vikings have said that Kirk is their guy, we all know better than to take those kinds of declarations as fact. Things change fast and if the Texans adjust their asking price, the Vikings may jump at it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1000
The Buccaneers are the second name that Watson reportedly has interested in joining. This would be a very interesting move for both sides to have Watson follow Brady, but the Bucs are built to win right now and just need a quarterback to add to the mix.