As a football player and quarterback I have great respect for Watson.

Houston is now open for business. They are listening to offers. Reportedly 3 first rounders and more.

As a GM with a poor quarterback this has to be tempting.

However, what comes next? He could go to jail or be suspended.

He will get his day in court. I will let that play out and not offer any opinion on what little I know.

If guilty and a team makes this trade. What does that say for a team and their city?

If innocent then it is a much different story.

One question would be why make an offer when you do not know what will happen legally?

Talent will make teams look past anything. Especially a QB like Watson.

I know it’s innocent until proven guilty, but at the very minimum what he did was shady and stupid.

That being said, yesterday the NFL didn’t put him on the exempt list. This is after months of investigation not only by them, but law enforcement as well. So he’s definitely gonna play this year at the minimum, seeing as how his first deposition isn’t until February 2022.

So NFL teams needing a QB will sell the farm for Watson, cause you get this year with him, and let’s be real; probably nothing comes of it. I hate that’s the reality, but that’s the reality.

Watson on your team makes you a contender. I’m hoping he doesn’t go to a team like Denver or something. Please please please go to the NFC.

The thing is the NFL is a business and as such each team should and will consider risk versus reward. With the pending litigation, and let's face it, there are 22 women, what they will be willing to pay will be factored into that risk.

I think the rumored "they want three first round picks at least" deal is doomed. I can't see a good businessman in his right mind paying that with the risk involved here. I also think it will eliminate some teams who need a QB all together because they won't want their name attached to him.

Fewer bidders will also bring the price down.

He's on track to play... until he isn't (ala Ray Rice). IIRC, Rice basically got the all-clear shortly before the video was released.

I don’t see how any team can give up anything of value for him.

I'm just glad Baltimore has their QB. Otherwise, the trade would have already happened.

Conditional trade is the only way I can see something happening. Team A will trade for Watson and give up a say 3rd round 2022 pick and that's it, but with escalators. If he's on the roster in 2021 and plays 1 game it upgrades to a 2nd. If he plays >1 game in 2021 it upgrades to a first. If he plays the whole season it upgrades to 2 firsts. If he plays in 2022, it upgrades to 3 firsts. There'd need to be injury clauses too.

Or something like that. Otherwise I just don't see a team giving up that much for a guy that may end up with charges (may not too, TBD), and any related PR issues regardless of his legal status.

Where ever he goes we will still kick his ass.

10 Women Have Filed Police Complaints Against Deshaun Watson

https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/07/26/deshaun-watson-sexual-assault-police-complaints

10 women have filed criminal complaints against Deshaun Watson with the Houston police department, according to ESPN's John Barr.

There have been 22 civil suits filed against Watson alleging sexual assault or sexual misconduct during sessions with various massage therapists. Eight of the women to log criminal complaints have also filed civil suits, per Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin.

Hardin said Monday that Watson and his legal team are "fully cooperating with the police." Watson has yet to be interviewed by the NFL, who will likely wait for the criminal matter to be resolved before issuing any potential suspension.

"We're fully cooperating with the police," Hardin told ESPN. "We're fully cooperating with the district attorney's office and, when the criminal investigation is over, we'll fully cooperate with the NFL."

Watson appeared at Texans' training camp on Monday, though he has not changed his stance regarding a trade request reported in January.

When he was in college there were questions about his accuracy as far as consistency.

However, the thing with him was. He played to the moment. He came up big when the game needed him. Super clutch player.

I wanted to draft him.

Now? Even though he has proven himself as a NFL quarterback and really is a great player.

No matter what happens legally. The stain will not come out. He may well go on with his career. Play well and put up the numbers. But you will look at him and think "what a creep."

I am glad Baker is our guy.

Watson is a good QB no question but I don't get anyone thinking we are somehow in trouble if he gets traded off to someone else with a better roster.

#1- I would fire any GM that would trade away the future of their franchise for a QB that has the legal issues facing them Watson does. IMO he is not even an after thought and as has been pointed out Houston has been listening to offers for some time now. I see nobody willing to pay their price and that likely won't change he at this point has to much baggage. Houston is stuck with him and he is stuck with Houston unless that is someone is willing to put their career and future in a bet on him staying out of jail much less not being suspended for multiple seasons.

We shoot the bull over every micro issue because well we just do but for me forget about Watson either way we kick his ass and the team he plays for. And that is ALL I truly care about.

His story will play out.

There have been many things go down in sports with athletes that at the time seem repulsive or shocking.

Trevor Bauer. Teammates have come out and said they don't want him back under any circumstances. Creepy behavior not much different.

Myles. As Browns fans knowing what Myles is on a regular basis it was shocking. To others outside they wanted assult with a deadly weapon.

The list goes on and on.

He is going to play for someone. When we play whoever the team is. It will be no different. He will be the enemy.

I find it more likely that he’s traded after this season. Teams will be more willing IMO (Carolina if Darnold doesn’t pan out, Miami if Tua doesn’t pan out, perhaps Green Bay, Denver, NY Giants, Las Vegas, etc)

NFL’s statement on Deshaun Watson leaves door open for paid leave at any time

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...ve-at-any-time/

Some believed that the failure of the NFL to promptly place Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on paid leave when he reported for training camp on Sunday meant that the league won’t do it. The statement issued Tuesday by the league proves how incorrect that conclusion was.

“The NFL’s review of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson remains ongoing and active,” the NFL said. “We are working cooperatively with the Houston Police Department and ensuring that the NFL’s inquiry does not interfere with their investigation. As we continue to gather additional information and monitor law enforcement developments, we will make appropriate decisions consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy. At this time there are no restrictions on Watson’s participation in club activities.”

The statement never expressly says it, but the message is unmistakable. The decision to not place Watson on paid leave can change, based on additional information that may become available.

As a practical matter, the league is always one news item away from deciding to place Watson on the Commissioner Exempt list. One additional fact, one additional allegation, one additional development, one additional interview or statement could be the one that causes the NFL to conclude that the kitchen has gotten too hot.

Remember, the Personal Conduct Policy and the paid leave provision of it weren’t created by the NFL to revolutionize the notion of meting out justice in a fair and orderly way. It’s a PR tool. It’s about policing the private lives of players in order to placate those who would say as to a given player, “How can that person be on an NFL roster?”

The paid leave provision, developed seven years ago, creates a path to parking a player based simply on allegations, when those allegations (and the prospect of broadcast partners discussing them during a game) become too much for the league to bear. The standard for invoking it, then, isn’t based on precedent or objectivity or basic notions of justice. Paid leave happens when the league decides that the situation has become too awkward, too uncomfortable, too embarrassing to keep the player around.

The presumption of innocence doesn’t matter. The various protections under the Constitution don’t matter. The league, foolishly insisting that paid leave doesn’t amount to punishment (not letting a football player play football unquestionably is punishment), will send a guy home when the league decides that his mere presence places a patina on Big Shield.

As to Watson, time will tell whether the league gets to the point where it says, “Enough.” If/when (likely, when) the criminal complaints are presented to a grand jury, will that be the point? Will it happen if/when he’s indicted for one or more crimes? Will it happen if more lawsuits are filed?

Regardless of how it happens, the point is that it can happen. And that reality needs to be considered by the Texans and any interested teams when it comes to potentially trading his contract.

If Watson gets traded to an AFC team it's bad news for the Browns.
Best place he could stay is in the AFC South.
If he goes to Denver or Miami, it would just create a higher hurdle for any team in the AFC North not way out in front, in 1st place in the division.

How do you assess Watson’s value in a trade?

Hopefully Carolina or the Eagles swoop in. Watson going to the Dolphins adds another really good team to the conference.

Lots of "masseuses" in Miami, I've heard.

I thought, Oh, ok.

In terms of fit, the ideal destination for Watson would be Indy. They are ready to win now. Very good roster they are just missing a lights-out QB. I know it's very unlikely because it's within the same division and with Wentz on the roster.

The Raiders and the WFT would also be interesting.

Simply talking hypothetically, replacing Big Ben would be a major coup. They still have to fix the OL. The Steelesr couldn't handle AB so I don't think they would take this ride.

Trade offers what may...

Watson is done for a long time.

The Steelers couldn't handle AB so.

Andrew Berry
Dwayne Haskins
Mason Ruldolph
Antonio Brown
Armonty Bryant, I think you mean Antonio Brown, (somebody Brown, who used to play WR for them about 4 years ago.)

Antonio Callaway, glad to clear that up.

Please don't try to interpret for me. Try being more lucid and concise in your own post. Because I honestly can't tell what point you were making in your reply. So break it down for the uninitiated.

#rabbitthole


"Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread..."

If he goes to Miami, the AFC becomes even more formidable.

Bills with Allen
Dolphins with Watson
Chiefs with Mahomes
Chargers with Herbert
Ravens with Jackson

And then even teams like Tennessee, Indy, Pittsburgh … very tough teams to contend

Will be interesting to see what the Texans can get for him... and what kind of stipulations get put not he trade in case he gets suspended....

Have to get at least 2 firsts for him....

Watson was super at Clemson, he's been outstanding in NFL, yet he's got this personal flaw sticking to him. What is his current worth....really, imagine women's groups picketing cuz he's a sleaze bag. How can Houston have him represent their city= we had JG, but he was WR. Your all pro football QB has nearly two dozen women suing him because he has money and wants his privates taken care of at massage parlor....WOW. Houston can ask for what they want....nuts if anyone trades for him. Go Browns!!!

Damn, it would be funny to hear the answer our GM would give to how accountable he'd think Watson would be.

Yes. I don't think it can be overstated, what the impact would be on the AFC Wild Card picture, if Watson goes to Miami.
That is because, Tua has flaws that would hurt Miami, and bring them below highest quality, and at the same time Watson has special characteristics which would help Miami and bring them above highest quality, so it would be kind of a double whammy.

Face it, Watson brings a high quality of efficiency to a passing game.

Agreed

When I hear these cases where it's 2 dozen all of a sudden. And the player and team weren't getting along.
In my opinion.
I'm less likely to believe it! I'm jaded.
I think stuff goes on.

I think the infantesimcal percentage that it's all made up, shoots up the scale imo, when I hear it's 22-25-50 accusers. One accuser is going to face the most scrutiny.
50, 60, nobody has time to look into all of that.
much easier, if it were a falsehood, to pass it off, with a ton of accusers instead of 1, or a small amount.

My jaded thinking, he probably made angry the wrong big money interests.
If Big money, has billions, and they are spending multi millions, and somebody gets really angry that they've been done wrong,
That there's never been a case on earth where they couldn't drum up 22 or 23 people willing to take a big amount
or maybe, or maybe, there are psychologists, on this planet, expert in making people remember things differently, than they actually happened,
and not even realize they are doing it.

All I mean is, The way I remember things, is, Watson and the team ownership were on the outs, disagreement, and then a week later all this newstory about accusers and cival suits started.
X-files music-

Where there is smoke there is fire. I believe there is substance to a least part of this. No way I would move off of Tua this early for damaged goods. And for 3 first rounders and 2 seconders? Is Miami or anyone else that stupid? What leverage does Houston have to pull that off, they are not even planning to play him themselves.

Wait until week 5 of a multi-million dollar QB riding the bench...the price will drop to one first and one second.

This is a first.

What a bizarre situation.

Not a great message being sent to Tua. "Ah we kinda of like you."

Meanwhile back in Houston. What are they to do?
Play hardball and put serious financial pressure to bear.

Then there is the NFL. What kind of suspension will he face?

A year from now is this all forgotten and Watson becomes a star someplace? Will a city embrace this guy?

How do other players relate to him?

This whole deal is nuts really.

Agree, Houston cost is JMHO/ nuts. Who wants a QB with his character/ at least implied character. JMHO, this won't "go away" and Houston and Watson are hosed.....GO Browns!!!

Texans get 7th round pick
Miami gets a rental QB this year
Watson gets a trip to the DA's office next season

If I’m Berry I’d throw my hat in the ring. Watson behind our line with our backs and wr would be prolific. Even for this year. Would be a good indication what the issues are with offense. Watson is the next gen athletic qbs that the nfl is moving to.

With our QB having a serious injury why not spend a 6th round pic and get him in here.

Because he’s going to cost a lot more than a sixth round pick.

Watson's future is not bright.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/03/29/f...on-inappropriate-behavior-not-in-lawsuit

There will be a legal problem and a problem with the NFL.

He could miss years. And he will cost a lot.

Plus the baggage for the franchise is not a easy thing to dismiss.

I don't want him.

Look up Dashawn Watson...I just did...the title of the first article on Watson... read it.

It reads something like this...

... FBI now involved in Deshaun Watson sexual assault case...

Obviously, at this time, Deshaun Watson has some very serious personal issues that must be taken care of before any team comes close to signing him to play in the NFL. If Watson gets his off the field issues taken care of, then maybe another NFL team might consider signing him...but not the Browns.

I know the Watson situation. If the Texans were going to trade him for a sixth round pick he’d have been on another team for 7 months.

You said everything in 5 lines. There's absolutely nothing more to add - not from my perspective leastways.

Even if we took a Hail Mary on Watson, I don’t know if it changes anything.

What’s to say coach doesn’t put a choke collar on him like he’s doing baker?

I'm just glad others are seeing it too.

Where was the choke collar last year? The QB is hurt, he can’t throw down field.

Do we really think Stefanski went into this season and said, “You know what we need to get rid of, all those huge chunks plays that we had last year.”

Yea if you don’t think you’re QB is good enough in clutch moments and needs to micromanaged.

Hell you said yourself that baker turns into the worst QB under pressure. I’m sure the analytics guys on the team already was well aware of that.

So based on your own comments, you shouldn’t be acting as if al of a sudden that perspective isn’t in the realm of possibility from Stefanski.

Why wasn’t it the case last year?

The obvious answer is that our QB broke and dislocated and tore his shoulder in the second game of the season.

Baker was fine last year in this exact same offense with the exact same players with the exact same play caller. What changed? Baker’s arm is being held in place by a piece of fabric. Along with that we lost our two starting tackles for different stretches, which would cause more pressure for our injured QB.

Most times the easy answer is also the correct answer.

Browns could ruin Watson, the same as they could have ruined Josh Allen, or they could have ruined Lamar Jackson, and they could also ruin Aron Rodgers or they could ruin Patrick Mahomes, and would have anyone else if they had taken them also.

Was it?

Tell me, how many years has baker been ranked near the bottom of the league when under pressure?

You love that stat.

By the way, baker was throwing lasers this game. So he didn’t seem to struggle trying to fit it tight windows. He didn’t seemed bothered by his shoulder when he got tackled out of bounds into the bench, then got up and and started flexing and hyped.

But all of a sudden, your favorite stat doesn’t apply then. Odd.

I don’t think it’s one reason, but I also think some reasons are definitely a bigger issue than others.

I think it’s perfectly reasonable to start looking at Stefanski as a reason. He is the HC after all. The buck stops with him.

I’m not sure what the question here is but Baker has been horrible, literally among the worst in the league, when pressured his entire career. This is not a new development.

I think it's a shoulder harness and not a choke collar. And Stefanski didn't put it there.