NFL teams must have had a race to contact the Houston Texans after quarterback Deshaun Watson was discharged from any criminal liability.
While there are still some legal issues he must hurdle, that decision meant that he won’t face any jail time.
Therefore, franchises who had apprehensions of making a push for him because he might not play soon found their confidence to engage the Texans in trade talks.
However, Watson is still in control of his destiny because he has a no-trade clause and he will only waive it if he likes the destination.
That said, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport pointed out two teams that are shaping up to be frontrunners to acquire the Pro Bowl play-caller.
The #Saints and #Panthers have made offers for #Texans QB Deshaun Watson and are likely to meet with him soon, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Other teams also are involved. Watson has a no-trade clause and wants to meet with teams before formally waiving it anywhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2022
Rapoport said, “The #Saints and #Panthers have made offers for #Texans QB Deshaun Watson and are likely to meet with him soon, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Other teams also are involved. Watson has a no-trade clause and wants to meet with teams before formally waiving it anywhere.”
Initially, Watson reportedly had the Minnesota Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within his radar.
However, the Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to an extension while the Buccaneers got Tom Brady back after a brief retirement.
Now, the attention shifts to the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers, two NFC teams that won’t threaten the Texans much, unless they play in the Super Bowl.
Pros And Cons For Both The Saints And The Panthers
The Saints have the better roster between the two teams, especially on offense.
While Christian McCaffrey is as explosive and versatile as Alvin Kamara, his health status will be a red flag.
However, Carolina has the advantage cap-wise because they are $29 million under the limit.
In contrast, the Saints must clear six million to stay under the cap.
If that’s the case, New Orleans might release players that could have helped Watson once he returns to action.
NEXT: Buccaneers Waited For Tom Brady And It Paid Off
