HOUSTON — As the clock wound down on the NFL trade deadline, the Miami Dolphins decided not to make a deal for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson after all.
NFL.com writers Ian Rappaport and Adam Schefter reported Watson’s legal issues led the Dolphins to pass on the trade.
“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,” Rappaport tweeted.
Now, the Texans will have to wait until the offseason to move Watson, who’s been on the trading block since January when he first asked to be dealt. That was before 22 women filed civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. The NFL, FBI and HPD have looked into the allegations, according to Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, but no criminal charges have been filed.
Schecter reported earlier Tuesday that the trade would happen, but later tweeted the deal was off the table.
All along, the Texans have been asking for three first round picks and two second round picks in exchange for Watson. And according to Watson’s side, potential offers have been on the table from different teams now for a while.
Watson’s attorney said a few weeks ago that he’ll start taking depositions in the civil case soon.
Watson was expected to be the franchise quarterback after being drafted in the first round by the Texans in 2017 out of Clemson.
In his career, Watson has thrown for more than 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns. He led Houston to the AFC division title in 2018 and 2019.
Watson hasn’t played a snap for Houston this season. When starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor went down with an injury, the team turned to Davis Mills and kept Watson on the list of inactive players.
Watson hasn’t been suspended by the league.