NFL insider floats interesting Deshaun Watson theory

Deshaun Watson remains in a holding pattern as prosecutors work to decide if charges will be filed against him, but one longtime NFL insider has an interesting theory about where the star quarterback could end up this offseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians this week offered high praise for veteran journeyman Blaine Gabbert.

“People may not like the overall record, but Blaine had eight head coaches and eight coordinators his first eight years,” Arians said Tuesday, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “He beat Jacksonville their best year and beat Tennessee their big year for us in Arizona. And he’s been in the system now. I don’t have a problem there and let Kyle continue to grow. Either one. (Gabbert) has never played with a team this good. He’s got all the respect in the locker room that he can have.”

That seems like an indication that Arians would be comfortable going into the 2022 season with Gabbert as his starting quarterback. However, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen laid out a scenario on Wednesday where Gabbert might be a bridge starter for Tampa Bay before handing things over to Watson.

That Bruce Arians professed his belief in Blaine Gabbert again is no surprise, especially with the @Bucs roster.
Now, here's your hypothetical to ponder: The Bucs take a shot at Deshaun Watson and believe Gabbert can keep them competitive if Watson has to serve any suspension.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) February 23, 2022

Mortensen presented the scenario as a “hypothetical,” so he clearly was not trying to break any news. Still, it should be noted that the longtime ESPN reporter does not tweet very often, so perhaps he knows something we don’t.

A report leading up to the Super Bowl claimed the Bucs are keeping tabs on Watson and one other star quarterback. There has also been talk that the interest is mutual.

Watson has been accused of sexual assault by nearly two dozen women. He will likely face a suspension whether he is charged criminally or not. The NFL is waiting until the criminal investigation wraps up before conducting its own probe. No one knows when that will be.

Arians is 69, so he probably does not want to be part of a rebuild in the wake of Tom Brady’s retirement. We would be surprised if he is fully committed to building a team around Gabbert.

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