Houston Texans

The Miami Dolphins apparently were at least willing to meet the Houston Texans' asking price for Deshaun Watson.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald) reported the Dolphins were prepared to put three first-round picks and two second-round picks on the table for Watson. However, the deal was contingent on Watson settling his 22 civil lawsuits tied to allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Nov. 7 that Houston was looking for "five or six assets" for the three-time Pro Bowler, including three first-rounders, and that multiple teams were ready to pay up.

However, Watson's current legal situation precluded any trade from happening. In addition to his civil suits, 10 women filed complaints with Houston police that remain unresolved.

Tony Buzbee, who represents the 22 plaintiffs in the civil cases, told Fox 26 Houston that "at some point the Dolphins wanted 22 settlements." He added his clients were asked to agree to a "very, very robust non-disclosure agreement" and that he wasn't sure whether Watson or the Dolphins were behind that pursuit.

Miami general manager Chris Grier denied the team engaged in any such negotiations.

"Any suggestion that this organization would be dealing behind the scenes and trying to influence decisions is absolutely ridiculous and categorically false," he said. "So, to say that we would be involved in that is just flat wrong."

Trying and failing to land Watson has put the Dolphins in a somewhat tough position since they're less than two full years removed from selecting Tua Tagovailoa in the NFL draft. Grier denied the trade negotiations were a reflection of how the franchise views the young quarterback:

But a team that has faith in its current QB presumably wouldn't pursue Watson in the first place, especially given his current situation.

With the 2021 trade deadline passed, Miami is unable to return to the bargaining table until the offseason.

Multiple teams were willing to send three first-round picks to the Houston Texans in a trade for Deshaun Watson, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

No deals were finalized prior to the 2021 trade deadline, however, because of Watson's ongoing legal situation.

Twenty-two women have filed civil lawsuits against the three-time Pro Bowler, levying allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Ten women also lodged formal complaints with Houston police, eight of whom are among the group that filed civil lawsuits.

Some wondered whether Watson would reach settlements in the civil suits ahead of the deadline to clear the way for any trade.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the 22 plaintiffs, told Fox 26 Sports the Miami Dolphins "at some point ... wanted 22 settlements." Buzbee added his clients were asked to agree to "a very, very robust non-disclosure agreement" and wasn't sure whether Watson's representatives or the Dolphins were behind the push.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier denied the team engaged in any such pursuit.

"Any suggestion that this organization would be dealing behind the scenes and trying to influence decisions is absolutely ridiculous and categorically false," he said. "So, to say that we would be involved in that is just flat wrong."

Along with the Dolphins, Pelissero reported the Carolina Panthers discussed a trade with Miami and that the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos "also did due diligence on Watson."

The 26-year-old has yet to appear in a game for Houston this season. The team has made him a healthy scratch through its first nine games.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in October the league has yet to glean enough information that would warrant suspending Watson or placing him on the commissioner's exempt list.

Now that he's going to remain with the Texans for the remainder of the 2021 season, it's unclear whether the star signal-caller will continue to be frozen out of their lineup.

The Houston Texans named Tyrod Taylor their starting quarterback for Week 9's game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday.

"He's healthy. He's our starting quarterback," Texans coach David Culley told reporters.

Taylor has been out of the lineup since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2. Rookie Davis Mills has started in his place, losing six straight games.

Taylor was off to a promising start to the 2021 season before his injury, throwing for 416 yards and three touchdowns without an interception while adding another 55 yards and a score on the ground. The Texans are Taylor's fifth NFL team and he's had a moderate amount of success in every stop, but his 2015 to 2017 run in Buffalo was the only time he's been a starter for an extended period.

Safety Justin Reid called Taylor's return a "breath of fresh air."

The Texans are clearly building for the future, and Taylor isn't their long-term option under center.

That said, fantasy managers who are in a pinch could insert Taylor into their lineups and expect relatively consistent performances because of his running ability. Playing against a 1-7 Dolphins team is also a strong first matchup to have him back. 

Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing 22 women in civil cases accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and misconduct, said the request for nondisclosure agreements served as a "deal breaker" in settlement talks.

Buzbee discussed the cases during an interview with Fox 26 Houston, per John Barr and Sarah Barshop of ESPN.

"In what was submitted to us, there were nondisclosure agreements and many of the women pushed back on those," Buzbee said. He also said some of the women insisted they were "never going to sign that" even after he and his colleagues changed some of the language in the agreements.

Barr and Barshop noted Rusty Hardin, who is Watson's attorney, told ESPN in July the quarterback did not plan on reaching any settlement agreements if they included nondisclosure agreements.

"I do not want anybody to be saying that this guy paid off women to stay quiet," Hardin said at the time.

However, Hardin did not respond to ESPN's request for comment on the latest settlement discussions.

In addition to the 22 civil lawsuits, at least 10 women have filed criminal complaints against Watson to the Houston Police Department, including two women who have not filed lawsuits. The NFL is also investigating the allegations.

There were trade rumors about Watson circulating prior to Tuesday's deadline, but the Texans never moved him. While the quarterback has not played this season, it is reasonable to assume the looming deadline may have led to increased settlement discussions between the two sides.

Barr and Barshop noted Buzbee said he is now preparing for the cases to go to trial in February.             

The Houston Texans are reportedly unlikely to move Deshaun Watson before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. 

Per Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790, "no trade is expected to be hammered out" between the Texans and Miami Dolphins for the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback. 

Per Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports, multiple executives from AFC and NFC teams all said not to expect a trade on Tuesday.

Schultz added that Texans general manager Nick Caserio is asking for "the moon," including at least three first-round draft picks, to move Watson. 

Watson remains on the Texans' 53-man roster, but he has been inactive for each of their eight games this season. He is the subject of 22 civil lawsuits and 10 criminal complaints accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct.

Rumblings about a potential Watson trade have picked up in recent weeks. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported last week that the Dolphins and Carolina Panthers have emerged as potential suitors. 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Saturday the Panthers have "no plans" to pursue Watson before the trade deadline, though negotiations could still pick up further down the line. 

Florio added on Sunday that the Texans increased their asking price for Watson after they "caught wind of the growing possibility that the 22 civil lawsuits would be settled."

Watson remains under contract to the Texans through the 2025 season. He was the team's first-round draft pick in 2017 (No. 12 overall). The 26-year-old led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards and 8.9 yards per attempt in 2020.    

The Houston Texans raised their asking price for quarterback Deshaun Watson once they "caught wind of the growing possibility that the 22 civil lawsuits would be settled," according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

The three-time Pro Bowler is facing 22 lawsuits stemming from allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Ten women filed formal complaints with Houston police as well.

The lawsuits and complaints have made it difficult for the Texans to finalize a trade involving the star passer ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain reported the Miami Dolphins had struck a tentative deal with Houston regarding the compensation. The Texans would get at least three first-round picks under the terms of the agreement.

However, McClain also reported that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross signed off on the trade but only on the condition that Watson's legal issues are "resolved."

Florio noted the Dolphins and Texans didn't make anything official, which allowed the latter to return to the bargaining table.

"The increased demands caused the talks to crater," Florio wrote. "Now, the primary impediment is the gap between what the Texans want and what the Dolphins will offer."

According to the report, Watson would be expected to settle his civil cases if a trade happens, but that wouldn't cover the criminal complaints.

The 26-year-old hasn't been suspended and hasn't been placed on the commissioner's exempt list. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday the league hasn't received enough information to make a definitive judgment.

Instead, Watson is effectively serving a paid suspension. The Texans have yet to activate him for any of their first eight games. Tyrod Taylor opened the season as the starting quarterback, and Davis Mills has run the offense following Taylor's hamstring injury.

In the event he remains in Houston beyond the trade deadline, perhaps the team would reconsider its current stance. Otherwise, Watson may be looking at an entire season in which he failed to log a snap.

The Carolina Panthers were interested in a trade for Deshaun Watson before Tuesday's deadline, but the Houston Texans reportedly wouldn't let the team speak to the quarterback first.

Jay Glazer provided the latest on Fox NFL Sunday (0:49):

"Earlier this week, Carolina actually jumped in. They called Houston to try to talk to Deshaun Watson and Houston said no, can’t talk to him," Glazer said. "Obviously you want to talk to a guy who’s going through these legal issues."

Watson has been accused of sexual assault or misconduct by 22 women who have filed lawsuits against him, while 10 women have filed criminal complaints. He is on the Texans' 53-man roster but has not yet played in 2021 as he seeks a trade.

Glazer added the Miami Dolphins could still acquire the quarterback before the deadline, but the team wants him to settle his legal issues first.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports previously reported Carolina was involved in trade talks for Watson with owner David Tepper notably interested in making a deal. However, the two sides were unable to agree on the parameters of a deal.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also reported the Panthers are not expected to pursue the quarterback "at this time."

This type of trade would make sense from a football perspective after Carolina lost four straight games to fall to 3-4. Starting quarterback Sam Darnold has struggled after his hot start and has seven interceptions with only four passing touchdowns over the past four games.

Watson would be a significant upgrade after earning three-straight Pro Bowl selections, leading the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020. If you add the proven quarterback to a team with a lot of offensive weapons and the No. 3 defense in yards allowed this year, Carolina could be a legitimate contender going forward.

The off-field issues still create uncertainty, and the lack of direct communication with Watson only makes a potential deal more difficult at this stage.  

Brandin Cooks has been one of the few productive players on the Houston Texans this season, but the 1-6 squad reportedly doesn't plan to trade the receiver before Tuesday's trade deadline.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, "Cooks is the kind of player the Texans want to build around, not trade. Don't expect him to be available."

Rapoport noted teams have called about potential deals, but it "doesn't sound like one for Cooks will happen."

The 28-year-old has 45 catches for 502 receiving yards this season, while no one else on the roster has more than 20 receptions or 200 receiving yards.

Cooks has been productive throughout his career despite constant movement, reaching 1,000 receiving yards in five of the last six years for four different organizations. He led Houston with 81 catches and 1,150 yards in 2020 after the team acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite his on-field success, the veteran would be an obvious trade target as the Texans look to rebuild after another slow start. The team could add assets that will help in the future while also clearing much of the player's $15.5 million cap hit in 2022, per Spotrac.

The Texans already traded running back Mark Ingram II, which angered Cooks based on his reaction on social media. 

It seemingly still won't be enough for Houston to make a trade before the deadline. 

It is looking increasingly unlikely that Deshaun Watson is traded before the Nov. 2 deadline.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Texans are prepared to keep Watson on their roster past the deadline despite interest from the Miami Dolphins. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Dolphins and Texans remain interested in a deal, but the complicated nature of Watson's legal situation makes completing a trade difficult.

Watson is facing 22 civil lawsuits for alleged sexual assault and misconduct. Houston police are also investigating allegations against the Pro Bowl quarterback.

The lack of clarity surrounding Watson's future is the main impediment to a deal, as the Texans have steadfastly refused to trade him at a discount. Miami is currently seen as the only serious in-season suitor, though more teams could get in the mix if Watson's legal situation is settled in the offseason.

The Carolina Panthers have been mentioned regularly as another potential destination but are not expected to pursue a deal until the offseason. Watson has only waived his no-trade clause for the Dolphins to this point.

Miami head coach Brian Flores was evasive when speaking to reporters this week about the Watson trade rumors but did commit to Tua Tagovailoa for the remainder of the 2021 season.

"I think I've said this multiple times, 'Tua is our quarterback,'" Flores said. "I don't get into rumors, I don't get into speculation—Tua is our quarterback. ... I'm focused on our team; I'm focused on our quarterback, and that's Tua."

Holding onto Watson for the 2021 season and then trading him in the spring always seemed like the most prudent and likeliest scenario for Houston, but there had been increasing chatter about a move ahead of the deadline. Owner Cal McNair has been eager to end the saga, though he's left the final decision up to general manager Nick Caserio, who has been clear in his desire to get a franchise-changing haul for Watson.

Should Watson avoid legal trouble and settle his civil cases, his football future will be significantly clearer than it is at the moment. It's highly likely he is suspended under the NFL's personal conduct policy in 2022, but teams would be more open to a trade if they know exactly when they're getting Watson. 

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey reportedly wasn't included in the team's talks with the Houston Texans about a potential deal for quarterback Deshaun Watson ahead of Tuesday's 2021 NFL trade deadline.

Joe Person of The Athletic reported Saturday the Panthers did discuss Watson with the Texans this week, but they're "not expected" to make a serious push to complete the blockbuster before the deadline and McCaffrey was never involved.

The update comes after CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported earlier Saturday that Carolina owner David Tepper remained keen on trying to acquire Watson.

"League sources said the Panthers are willing to part with three high picks and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in a package for Watson," La Canfora wrote.

Along with Person, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk also reported the Panthers have "no plans" to resume their pursuit of Watson ahead of the deadline and "never offered or considered" offering McCaffery, who's on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, in the deal.

Watson's uncertain availability has likely complicated trade talks. He faces 22 civil lawsuits and 10 criminal complaints from women who have said he sexual assaulted them or sexually harassed them during massage sessions. Two of the criminal complaints are from women who haven't filed lawsuits.

Watson hasn't been suspended or placed on the commissioner's exempt list by the NFL, meaning he's eligible to play.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday the league hadn't obtained enough information to take any action against Watson as the legal cases play out.

"Obviously, the police have been investigating, and we don't have access to all of that information at this point in time," Goodell told reporters. "We pride ourselves on not interfering in that and in being as cooperative as we can in order to get all the facts. I think that process is still ongoing."

The Texans have kept Watson on their active roster through the season's first seven games, but he's been declared inactive on game days while the team moved forward with Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills to start games.

From a football perspective, the 26-year-old Clemson product has been one of the NFL's best quarterbacks since the Texans selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft. He ranks second among active QBs in career passer rating at 104.5 behind only the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes (107.2).

The Miami Dolphins have also been linked to a potential trade for Watson, but there's been no suggestion a deal is imminent with three days until the deadline.

"Definitively that he's the quarterback barring no—I mean, there's a lot of things that, yeah, barring injury? Yeah," Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said Friday when asked whether Tua Tagovailoa would remain the team's starter for the rest of 2021.

Flores added: "I don't get into rumors. I don't get into speculation. Tua's our quarterback."

Barring a late twist, it appears Watson will remain with the Texans for the remainder of the campaign. Teams could then engage with Houston's front office in the offseason once there's more clarity on his status.