NFL Trade Rumors: 3 best destinations for Deshaun Watson after Dolphins pull out
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was in the midst of the most heated trade rumors in 2021. Several teams were rumored to have made offers to the Texans for the controversial quarterback. The Texans were willing to part ways with Deshaun Watson following more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct being brought against him. He did not play a single snap in 2021, but he remains a high priority for teams to go after in the offseason. One of the teams that was seemingly the closest to once finalizing a deal has since pulled out and no longer has any interest -- the Miami Dolphins.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier spoke to the press at the NFL Combine this week and put some clarity on Miami's plans to make a play for Deshaun Watson in the offseason.
"The door is shut on Deshaun."
The Dolphins are out of the running, especially since new head coach Mike McDaniel has publicly backed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Now, who else would be interested and willing to offer a trade package for Deshaun Watson?
Matt Rhule could acquire Deshaun Watson to Panthers to save his job
Matt Rhule's tenure with the Carolina Panthers has not been fruitful with great quarterback play. The experiment with Sam Darnold backfired horribly in his face, and bringing back Cam Newton did him no favors either. As of right now, the Panthers have virtually no starting quarterback worth anything.
@Panthers @deshaunwatson https://t.co/mAPCUtNHuH
In a desperate move, Rhule can trade for Watson and hope he ends up playing in 2022. Watson might be rusty after a season away from football, but he is an upgrade compared to Newton and Darnold. Two first-round picks with an additional Day 2 pick and players like Shaq Thompson and Taylor Moton would be enough to intice the Texans without giving away the entire cow.