NFL Rumors: Saints, Panthers Pitch Offer To Texans For Troubled Pro-Bowl Quarterback

Deshaun Watson sat out the entire 2021 season for the Houston Texans due to the multiple sexual misconduct allegations he is facing.

All that has been cleared by a grand jury, and the three-time Pro Bowler is expected to return to action next NFL season.

However, Watson’s return may not happen with the Texans. It appears Houston is open to trading the 2020 NFL passing yards leader if their demands are met.

According to Kansascity.com, the Texans want three first-round picks among others as compensation to agree to a deal involving Watson.

There are multiple teams linked to the 26-year-old play-caller according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Allegedly at the top of the list are the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers.

Both the Panthers and the Saints have allegedly pitched offers to the Texans for Watson. However, the details of the offer made by both teams were not disclosed.

The final say will still be at the hands of Deshaun Watson. This is because there is a no-trade clause in his current contract.

The Georgia native would have to waive that clause for the deal to push through.

Between the Panthers and Saints, the latter is reportedly set to meet with Watson soon. It remains to be seen how that will go.

Aside from the Panthers, other teams who could engage Houston in potential trade talks include Seattle, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, Seattle and Pittsburgh.

Watson has established himself as a dynamic playmaker with great athleticism as he posseses pinpoint accuracy that makes him an ideal quarterback that any NFL team would love to have.

The club that makes a push for Watson also needs to consider the money involved in taking Watson in.

The No. 12 choice of the 2017 NFL Draft signed a four-year contract extension with the Texans in 2020 worth a reported $160 million.

He would count for approximately $40 million of cap space in 2022.

New Orleans is in dire need of a quarterback after ranking 28th in total offense and 32nd in passing production last NFL season.

With Drew Brees announcing his retirement, the Saints leaned on Jameis Winston to call the shots.

Unfortunately, Winston went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 8. He is currently an unrestricted free agent.