Deshaun Watson is a free man. There’s no doubt that several NFL teams are vying for his services — however, he controls where he goes.
All off-season, you couldn’t turn on a sports show without hearing the name Deshaun Watson. Speculation about where he would go dominated headlines. That was until chargers were filed against the Houston Texans signal-caller.
After months of speculation, news reports, and headlines, the NFL finally got an answer when it comes to Deshaun Watson’s legal trouble. According to ESPN, a grand jury will now indict Watson.
"“A grand jury has declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of harassment and sexual assault.”"
The first lawsuit filed against Watson took place on Mar. 16, 2020. The former Heisman Trophy was a healthy scratch for all 17 games of the 2021 season. However, it’s important to note that he received his $10.54 million base salary. Now, it’s time to examine what’s next football-wise for Watson. One thing’s for sure, Watson controls his destination thanks to his no-trade clause.
We know he’s not returning to the Texans, given his previous feelings about the franchise. One team you won’t see on this list is the Miami Dolphins. The Fins were the front runners to land Watson, but they fired the coach Watson wanted to play for Brian Flores got fired. If that doesn’t convince you, Chris Grier told the media, he shut the door on any Watson trade talk. Just because the Fins don’t want him doesn’t mean there aren’t 20+ other teams interested in Watson services.
Deshaun Watson destination no. 3: Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield did a solid job for the Browns, but a guy like Deshaun Watson doesn’t come along very often. Mayfield is a valuable trade piece for a team that needs a quarterback — the Texans need one. They also have a couple of defensive players they can auction off as well. They can throw in a couple of Day 1 and Day 2 picks in the mix to ensure his services.
There were reports that Jarvis Landry was unhappy, but Watson can cure-all. The Browns have enough cap space to entice another wideout like Allen Robinson, Will Fuller, or possibly Antonio Brown — if they dare.
The glaring strength for the Browns is their offensive line and running game. Watson wouldn’t have to carry the load either. There’s no better duo in the NFL than Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
The Cleveland Browns need a dynamic quarterback to come in and elevate the franchise. Baker is solid, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Browns.
Deshaun Watson trade destination no. 2: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are left without a franchise quarterback. For the first time since the Mike Tomlin era, the Steelers are in jeopardy of having a losing record. That could all change with one move, bringing in Deshaun Watson.
It doesn’t matter what it takes; the Steelers should try to trade for the All-Pro quarterback. The Steelers are a stable franchise with an elite head coach in Mike Tomlin. However, there’s another coach on staff Watson openly wanted to play for, Brian Flores.
During his short tenure with the Dolphins Flores was rumored to be a coach Watson wanted to play for. Of course, he was fired before a trade went down. Despite him suing the NFL, the Steelers took a chance and brought him in as a linebackers coach. Is Watson’s admiration for Flores strong enough to make him waive his clause?
If the admiration for Flores isn’t enough, maybe the Steelers roster is. They have two solid wideouts in Chase Claypool and Dionte Johnson. At tight end, they have the always reliable Pat Freiermuth.
In the backfield, they have an up-and-coming star in Najee Harris, who is also a reliable pass-catching option. And they have a solid defense. With their weapons and stable franchise, Watson should waive his clause for the Steelers.
Deshaun Watson destination no. 1: Seattle Seahawks
The Russell Wilson era was over after the Seahawks decided they no longer wanted Russ to cook. They shipped him to the Denver Broncos for a couple of players and picks, including the No. 9 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
They have no quarterback in a division with the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams led by Matthew Stafford. Kyler Murray is a rising star, and the 49ers are always competitive.
Watson can come in and do things Wilson wasn’t able to. He’s more dynamic outside the pocket with his ability to take off and run. They’d have to trade away a ton to get Watson, but they have good enough core players on offense where he can find immediate success.
DK Metcalf is a stud who Watson can make better. On the other side stands Tyler Lockett, a speedy wideout, who’d dominate with Watson much like he did with Wilson.
It would behoove the Seahawks to resign Duane Brown and bring in a guy like Will Fuller, who Watson played with in Houston.
With Chris Carson in the backfield, he’d have a running back who can carry the load, something he hasn’t had with the Texans. Pete Carroll and Watson seem like a perfect fit. Apparently, Daniel Jeremiah thinks the deal could go down soon.