Deshaun Watson still has not been given any clarity on his NFL future, as the Houston Texans star remains under criminal investigation for alleged sexual assault. That is not stopping him from scouting potential trade destinations.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Watson has been eyeing teams that would be a fit for him if and when the Texans decide to trade him. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings are two teams that are on his radar.
The Vikings formally announced the hire of new head coach Kevin O’Connell on Wednesday. They still have Kirk Cousins under contract through 2022, but it is possible O’Connell will want a clean slate. The question is whether he would want to begin his first head coaching tenure with all the drama that Watson would bring with him from Houston.
This is not the first time we have heard Watson’s name in connection with the Bucs. A recent report claimed Tampa Bay is keeping tabs on Watson and one other star quarterback in the wake of Tom Brady’s retirement. Assuming Watson is eligible to play in 2022, it might make more sense for him to do so under a veteran head coach like Bruce Arians.
Watson has a full no-trade clause, so he has some say over where he ends up.
Watson is facing sexual assault allegations from nearly two dozen women. Prosecutors have yet to determine whether they will file charges. The NFL is holding off on its investigation as to not interfere with the legal process, so the uncertainty surrounding Watson remains. That could significantly impact his trade market, much as it did last offseason.
Photo: Aug 17, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a game against the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
