The Deshaun Watson sweepstakes have heated up considerably since a grand jury declined to indict him on Friday, and the interest in the star quarterback appears to be mutual with at least two teams.
Watson is expected to meet with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Other teams are also in the mix.
Texans’ QB Deshaun Watson is expected to meet in the next 48 hours with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, amongst other teams, per league sources. Watson wants to meet with them just as they want to meet with him before trade talks ramp up.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
Watson has a full no-trade clause in his contract with the Houston Texans. The team has given him permission to meet with potential trade suitors. If Watson did not want to play in New Orleans or Carolina, he probably would not bother talking to either team.
A report over the weekend claimed the Saints and Panthers have both made formal trade offers for Watson. Carolina has been aggressively pursuing Watson for quite some time.
Watson wants out of Houston, but the no-trade clause gives him control over his future. There has been talk that he is not willing to play for at least one NFC team.
Photo: Jan 27, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
