“I think Tampa is a major threat." - NFL insider reveals NFC exec thinks Buccaneers are players for Deshaun Watson
Where Deshaun Watson will be traded has become the NFL's latest dominant storyline. Teams around the league are inquiring about trading for the 26-year-old. The Houston Texans' asking price is at least three first-round picks, which is a hefty amount.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler dropped a column Sunday with inside information on which teams are closer than others in the Watson sweepstakes.
Fowler revealed that an NFC executive told him to be on the lookout for a trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fowler's source told him:
"I think Tampa is a major threat."
Fowler continued by writing that Watson has an interest in the Buccaneers as well. Due to the coaching staff and the young, dynamic players on the roster, the team checks many of Watson's desires.
Watson initially requested a trade from the Texans last March before accusations of sexual misconduct arose.
The quarterback wants to play for a team ready to win now. The Buccaneers can provide that with Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and others who won the Super Bowl with Tom Brady two years ago that remain with the team.
Ultimately, the Buccaneers are a team that makes sense for Deshaun Watson. The three-time Pro Bowler has a no-trade clause in his contract, giving him authority in deciding his next destination.
Bunch more FA stuff in here. Connects free agent Marcus Mariota to #Colts, who need a quarterback and don’t have a first-round pick.
espn.com/nfl/insider/in…
Deshaun Watson trade speculation is heating up rapidly
Deshaun Watson will likely be dealt with in the coming days, as the situation is heating up fast. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints have offered the Texans deals for the signal-caller.
Dov Kleiman put out a separate report. Kleiman reports the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles have pulled their names out.
The #Panthers and #Saints have made trade offers for QB Deshaun Watson, per @RapSheet and @TomPelissero
The #Vikings, #Seahawks, #Browns, #Bucs also shown interest.
The #Dolphins, #Eagles and #49ers have moved on. https://t.co/7r2H9zPgN3
Both the Saints and Panthers make sense for Watson. The Panthers have been interested in Watson dating back to the 2021 trade deadline. With head coach Matt Rhule on the hot seat, they're likely to pull out all the stops to get a quarterback.
The question with the Panthers is whether Watson wants to waive his no-trade clause for a team that's had four straight losing seasons.
Watson also makes sense for the Saints, as New Orleans' roster is more capable of winning now. Sean Payton may not be the head coach, but the team has continuity in its coaching ranks. They're also bringing back stud wide receiver Michael Thomas in 2022.
One thing's for sure. Wherever Watson lands, we'll likely find out in the coming days as the NFL's free agency period begins.