The Miami Dolphins are easily the NFL’s most disappointing team in 2021.
They are off to a 1-6 start and that has led to constant rumors about the team trying to acquire Deshaun Watson.
This puts Tua Tagovailoa in an awkward spot and leaves the entire team without a sense of direction until after the trade deadline.
So is landing Watson a given?
That is not the case, at least yet, as a report has come out stating the Dolphins are still not matching what the Houston Texans want in compensation for Watson.
While #Texans QB Deshaun Watson has only waived his no-trade clause, thus far, to the #Dolphins (which is true, as 1st reported by @RapSheet )…I'm also told Miami's offer still does not meet the threshold to get a deal done. The price will not bend for MIA, or any other team!
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 27, 2021
Watson has reportedly only waived his no-trade clause for the Dolphins.
So it is either off to Miami or he is stuck in Houston for the remainder of the season.
Yet the Texans are not going to be forced to move the star signal-caller.
Miami Must Be Careful
The fact Watson could still face potential discipline both from the NFL and legally makes it tough to offer a trade featuring several first-round picks.
The Texans want a haul of draft capital, while the Dolphins want to protect their future if Watson cannot be available.
I'm being bombarded with messages saying I've reported a Watson deal to the Dolphins has been agreed on. I haven't reported that. Nothing's changed since last week. Dolphins — and any other team Watson has approved — want the legal issues resolved. That hasn't changed.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) October 26, 2021
So many unknowns are present here, making this one of the most unique trade situations in recent memory.
Another factor here is that the Dolphins won’t save their 2021 season by acquiring Watson.
So why not just wait until the offseason when there is more clarity about his legal matters?
If Watson still only lists the Dolphins as a destination, nothing is different.
Miami can work through the rest of 2021, evaluate everyone in the organization, and look to make changes in the offseason.
Being impatient and mortgaging the future to acquire Watson to lead a 1-6 team does not make much sense and may be a move that sinks the Dolphins for years to come if he cannot be on the field in the future.
NEXT: Report: Pressure Mounting In Dolphins Organization