Deshaun Watson won’t be traded this season.
The Miami Dolphins passed on acquiring the embattled Houston Texans quarterback ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, according to multiple reports. The Dolphins reportedly had conversations about trading for Watson, though ESPN reported Miami owner Stephen Ross ultimately decided not to go through with the deal.
Watson has not played this season after 22 women filed civil lawsuits that accused him of inappropriate behavior during massages. Amid the allegations, the Texans made the decision to sit the 26-year-old — even though the NFL has not placed him on paid leave. Watson had requested a trade from Houston even before the lawsuits were filed in March.
Watson has not been charged with any crime. The Houston police department has said they’ve launched an open investigation into the accusations.
The Dolphins and the Texans had been rumored for weeks to be talking about a Watson deal. Miami drafted Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth pick in 2020, but the Dolphins (1-7) were interested in Watson’s talent. In 2020, Watson led the league in passing yards with 4,803 yards and was a Pro Bowler for a third straight season.
The Texans signed Watson to a four-year, $156 million extension in September 2020, giving him a no-trade clause as part of the deal. The Clemson product demanded a trade following front-office dysfunction as he was reportedly unhappy with the hiring of general manager Nick Caserio.
The Dolphins were considered to be the only serious suitor for Watson at this year’s deadline. The Carolina Panthers were also rumored to be interested, but uncertainty over his legal issues reportedly caused them to back off.
The Texans (1-7) will now revisit a Watson trade in the offseason, according to ESPN.
While Miami considered bringing in Deshaun Watson, no deal ever was in place and the Dolphins will stick with Tua Tagovailoa, a young QB who has shown improvement this year.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2021
#Dolphins owner Stephen Ross received permission to speak with Deshaun Watson, but only last night. As complicated a deal as this is, that wasn’t enough time. https://t.co/zddXP9htJM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2021
The NFL’s trade deadline was at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Blockbuster trades in the NFL are rare — though the Los Angeles Rams surprised many Monday when they acquired star pass-rusher Von Miller from the Denver Broncos for two draft picks. Besides the deal, only minor moves have been made: The Kansas City Chiefs sent a future sixth-round draft pick to Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday in exchange for pass rusher Melvin Ingram.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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