Deshaun Watson is reportedly narrowing down his list of preferred new teams. While the quarterback can use his no-trade clause to avoid unenviable situations, the Houston Texans also denied a direct competitor’s inquiry.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts attempted to arrange a meeting with Watson.
Unsurprisingly, their AFC South foe rejected those advances.
Houston has declined Indianapolis’ attempt to speak with Deshaun Watson, per source. Houston comfortable trading Watson – just not in the AFC South.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
While it’s unclear if the Texans ever even presented the Colts as an option, Watson might not have had any interest anyway.
The Houston Chronicle‘s John McClain told The Clubhouse’s Kyle Bailey that the quarterback has rebuffed every team besides the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
“He’s rejected everybody but Carolina and New Orleans.”
– @McClain_on_NFL to me just now on @wfnz re: Deshaun Watson’s next destination.
— Kyle Bailey (@KyleBaileyClub) March 14, 2022
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Watson is scheduled to meet with those NFC South teams Monday.
I’m told Deshaun Watson is set to meet with the #Saints and #Panthers in Houston through Monday evening, and* I’m also told Watson is currently* planning to meet with “more” teams tomorrow, at this time, per league source. @AaronWilson_NFL with these details as well.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 14, 2022
Indianapolis couldn’t have expected to gain much traction on a deal for the three-time Pro Bowler, but Pro Football Talk presented an interesting theory.
Did the Colts request permission to speak to Deshaun Watson in the hopes that Deshaun will now refuse to waive his no trade clause for any team but the Colts? 🧐
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 14, 2022
Watson doesn’t have to go anywhere he doesn’t want to, but the Texans don’t need to accommodate him either. That said, the pure hypothetical scenario of Watson only accepting a trade to a division rival would present a dilemma for all parties.
After trading Carson Wentz, the Colts are once again seeking a new starting quarterback. They threw a Hail Mary they probably knew wouldn’t complete, so now it’s time to explore more realistic targets such as Jimmy Garoppolo.
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