Eight teams wanted Deshaun Watson before civil lawsuits?

Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason before up to 22 plaintiffs filed lawsuits against the 25-year-old signal-caller alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct. 

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has reported that the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Washington Football Team all expressed interest in trading for Watson before learning about the civil cases. 

As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted, some clubs listed by McClain, such as the Panthers, Patriots, Bears, and Washington, have already acquired or re-signed quarterbacks this offseason, while other franchises are planning to use first-round draft picks on would-be future starters Thursday night. 

Attorney Rusty Hardin, who is representing Watson, said early last week: “Mr. Watson has been adamant that he did not engage in any improper conduct and we strongly believe him. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether we are saying that all 22 plaintiffs are lying about the allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Watson is a resounding yes.” 

Regardless of the outcomes of the cases, Watson could be banned from playing for part or all of the 2021 season via the NFL’s personal conduct policy or the commissioner’s exempt list. His status for the fall is very much up in the air, which makes it hard to imagine any team would take a chance on trading for him before the draft opens on Thursday.