The Deshaun Watson trade rumors remain on hold until his legal situation is resolved.
Unless his name is cleared, a trade will just not happen.
Yet there remains traction in terms of preliminary rumors from NFL reporters.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were already on Watson’s radar.
However, his colleague Josina Anderson contradicted that report after speaking with the quarterback’s agent.
I spoke with Deshaun Watson’s agent. He says there's no truth that Watson is eyeing the Bucs, Vikings or any teams ahead of free agency. “We haven’t had any talks among ourselves or with teams about possible destinations as we are focused on clearing Deshaun’s name at this time.”
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 17, 2022
Anderson said that she spoke with Watson’s agent, who said “there’s no truth that Watson is eyeing the Bucs, Vikings or any other teams ahead of free agency.”
According to his agent, the entire focus right now is on clearing his name through the legal process.
Where Will Deshaun Watson Play In 2022?
These rumors must have come from somewhere, and any team with a quarterback need remains a logical fit for Watson.
Minnesota could still be one even if they say they are sticking with Kirk Cousins, while the Buccaneers are a great fit as long as Tom Brady stays retired.
So it seems likely Watson is at least considering his options.
This entire discussion exists in the first place because his deal with the Houston Texans features a no-trade clause.
If they want him gone, he has to approve the deal and destination.
Him landing in a new city in 2022 is best for both sides after his status loomed over the franchise for the entire 2021 season.
Now it is a waiting game as the legal process plays out in traditionally slow fashion compared to the fast-paced nature of the NFL cycle.
NFL teams around the league in need of a new signal-caller are surely monitoring the situation closely every single day.
NEXT: Deshaun Watson Has 2 Notable Teams On His Mind