Houston Texans

Once upon a time, the New England Patriots selected a relatively unheralded quarterback prospect named Tom Brady with a sixth-round pick.

They reportedly have an extra pick in that exact round this year following a Monday trade.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Patriots traded a fifth-round pick to the Houston Texans for a sixth- and seventh-round selection.

This, of course, does not mean the Patriots have their eyes on the next Brady with their new sixth-round selection, but it does give them an extra pick to add depth near the end of this year's draft.

The franchise also has a history of discovering hidden gems late in the draft that goes beyond Brady.

New England selected 2021 first-team All-Pro return man Braxton Berrios with a sixth-round pick in 2018 even though it later released him. The team selected three-time Super Bowl champion Nate Ebner with a sixth-round pick in 2012 and chose three-time champion and Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman with a seventh-round pick in 2009.

For a team with a track record of picking players like Brady and Edelman this late in the draft, adding more Day 3 selections probably isn't the worst idea.

As for Houston, it now has a pick earlier in the draft that could be used on a player with a higher ceiling than perhaps a project in the sixth or seventh round. The Texans are coming off two straight four-win seasons and could use young playmakers to facilitate a rebuild.

New England isn't in quite as dire of a situation coming off a AFC playoff appearance and can target positions of need this year.         

The Houston Texans are reportedly considering multiple prospects with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, including the two top cornerbacks in the class.

In his latest NFL mock draft released Tuesday, NFL Network's Peter Schrager mocked NC State offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu to the Texans, but he noted that there is "a lot of noise" within the league regarding Houston taking either Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner or LSU corner Derek Stingley Jr.

While it isn't typical for a cornerback to go inside the top three, the position is a huge need for Houston entering the 2022 season.

Although Schrager did not mock a corner to the Texans, he does have Gardner going seventh overall to the New York Giants and Stingley going ninth overall to the Seattle Seahawks.

In recent years, the top three of the draft has typically been reserved for quarterbacks, offensive tackles and defensive ends, but it isn't unprecedented for a corner to go that high.

In fact, it happened in the 2020 draft when the Detroit Lions took Jeff Okudah third overall, although that was the first time since 1997 that a cornerback was taken that early.

Thus far, the Okudah pick has not worked out for the Lions, as injuries have limited the former Ohio State standout to just 10 games in two seasons, including only one contest in 2021.

Gardner and Stingley are both perhaps at or near the same talent level as Okudah, though, and either of them could be worth the risk for a cornerback-needy team like Houston.

In each of his three seasons at Cincinnati, Gardner finished with three interceptions. He also set career highs with 40 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks last season, making him one of the most versatile and well-rounded corners in the draft.

Stingley seemed like a slam dunk to be the top cornerback in the 2022 draft entering last season, but the injury bug bit him again and limited him to just three games.

That came on the heels of Stingley appearing in just seven games in 2020 due to injury, and it is difficult to ignore the fact that he didn't have a single interception in his final two collegiate seasons after reeling in six as a freshman.

Given what has happened to Okudah in the NFL and the durability issues Stingley dealt with at LSU, it is understandable why there may be some pause to spend a high pick on him.

The Texans have no shortage of needs on both sides of the ball, but it wouldn't be at all surprising to see them use the No. 3 overall pick on a defensive player given the history of head coach Lovie Smith.

Smith was the Texans' defensive coordinator last season, and he has been both a head coach and defensive assistant throughout his career, both in the NFL and collegiately.

With Smith at the helm last season as DC, the Texans ranked 23rd in the NFL in passing yardage allowed and tied for 16th in passing touchdowns allowed.

While that means Houston wasn't a bottom-of-the-barrel team against the pass, there is a ton of room for improvement, and the selection of either Gardner or Stingley could help significantly in that regard.

The Texans have addressed the cornerback position this offseason by signing veteran Steven Nelson, but they have no elite talent at corner.

That could be a significant issue for them in an AFC that is stacked with top-flight quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson and others.

The NFL is undoubtedly a pass-first league, meaning cornerbacks are more important than ever before, and that could lead to them being taken much higher in the draft than they traditionally have been.

Whitney Mercilus announced his retirement from the NFL on his Instagram account Wednesday.

"It's time to hang it up," he wrote alongside a video. "Merci out."

The pass-rusher was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft and spent the majority of his 10-year career with the Houston Texans before he was released during the 2021 season. He finished the year with the Green Bay Packers, appearing in six regular-season games and one playoff game.

Mercilus totaled 58 sacks in his career across 138 games, including 12 during the 2015 season with the Texans.

In 2016, he was named second-team All-Pro as a key part of a defense that ranked first in the NFL in yards allowed. That season, he had 7.5 sacks and set career highs with 53 tackles, 22 quarterback hits and four fumble recoveries.

The former Illinois star reached the playoffs in six different seasons, including this past year with the Packers, although he never advanced past the divisional round.

Green Bay seemingly offered the best shot as Mercilus worked his way back from a torn biceps that was originally expected to cost him the rest of the year. He returned to play 12 defensive snaps in a second-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The 31-year-old was set to become a free agent but will now instead retire from the sport.     

Free-agent running back Marlon Mack has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Houston Texans, according to Marc Berman of Fox 26. The terms of the deal have not been reported. 

The Indianapolis Colts, with whom Mack spent five seasons, weren't expected to re-sign him this offseason with Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines settled in as the top two running backs on the roster. 

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Sept. 28 that Mack and the Colts mutually agreed to work on finding a trade. However, nothing came to fruition.

The South Florida product signed a one-year contract to return to Indianapolis in March. He missed the final 15 games of the 2020 season after tearing his Achilles in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

He returned to the field in Week 2 of the 2021 season and ran for 16 yards on five carries and played 13 offensive snaps in Indianapolis' 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. 

A fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft, Mack took over as the Colts' lead running back in his second season. He had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and scored a combined total of 18 touchdowns in those two years. 

Highest rushing grades in goal to go situations since 2015:

1. Aaron Jones - 82.5
2. Marlon Mack - 76.5
3. Marshawn Lynch - 75.6
4. Dak Prescott - 73.7 pic.twitter.com/nDmU8VZFM4

— PFF (@PFF) June 28, 2020

However, his role decreased significantly with the emergence of Taylor and Hines, and he finished the 2021 season having played just six games. He rushed for 101 yards on 28 carries and caught two passes for eight yards. 

Despite the lack of production last season, Mack has been a valuable player in the receiving game with 57 catches in 47 games with the Colts. His dual-threat ability only enhances his value for the Texans.

Lovie Smith should have no problems finding a way to scheme up Mack. He brings a unique dynamic to the offense and has the ability to be an impact player at a position where the team needs more depth. 

The attorney for the 22 women who have accused Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and misconduct in civil lawsuits said he hasn't heard from the Cleveland Browns or any NFL other teams this offseason.

Tony Buzbee told ESPN's John Barr that none of his clients have spoken with a representative from a specific team either.

"The Browns organization did not reach out to me," Buzbee said. "I didn’t expect them to do so, and can understand why they didn’t. But, knowing what I know, they probably should have."

On Sunday, the Browns confirmed they acquired Watson from the Houston Texans. While the three-time Pro Bowler is no longer facing criminal charges, he still faces 22 civil lawsuits centered around the assault allegations.

The Browns issued a statement saying they "spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson." The team added that it felt it "was pivotal that we, along with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, meet with Deshaun to have a straightforward dialogue."

pic.twitter.com/1EWi3Hj5Rq

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 20, 2022

Cleveland said it executed an "extensive evaluation process," but many noted the absence of any detail about what the evaluation entailed. There was also no mention of reaching out to the women who leveled the allegations.

Would love, just once, for a team to actually explain what went into their “comprehensive evaluation process.” https://t.co/S8peP8Qmo0

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 20, 2022

I feel better knowing the Browns got a ringing endorsement of Deshaun Watson from Deshaun Watson. https://t.co/VdnkeY9tza

— Michael Rosenberg (@Rosenberg_Mike) March 20, 2022

I’m puzzled at the Browns saying they did an “extensive evaluation,” like they unleashed some secret CSI investigation. They didn’t. He’s good at football. The end. They could care less about what he’s accused of. https://t.co/AGP3SgOici

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) March 20, 2022

This statement came after news of how the Browns structured Watson's contract after agreeing to the trade with Texans. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported his base salary will be only $1 million for the 2022 season, thus limiting how much money he stands to lose from any suspension.

There's no going back for Cleveland. The trade is done, and Watson will collect every penny from a five-year, $230 million extension that's fully guaranteed.

But the criticism directed toward the Browns is unlikely to quiet down anytime soon.

Despite a rumor that the Pittsburgh Steelers have interest in trading for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson this offseason, it reportedly should not be an expectation.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Wednesday that the Steelers are not interested in pursuing the quarterback.

There will be more clarity regarding Watson's legal situation this week. He is set for his first deposition Friday in the civil lawsuits against him. That same day, a grand jury will decide whether he will be charged criminally with sexual assault.

According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, Watson is expected to plead the Fifth in his deposition.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the trade market for the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback is expected to be "robust." According to Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks are among the teams likely to have interest in trading for Watson.

Pittsburgh will be in the market for a quarterback this offseason after the retirement of longtime starter Ben Roethlisberger. Three-year pro Mason Rudolph has the most experience of any quarterback on the roster. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert recently told reporters that the team would be comfortable moving forward with Rudolph as its starter.

"If we had to start today with Mason as our starter, let's go," Colbert said last month, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "We'll try to build the best team around him."

The Steelers hold the No. 20 pick in the upcoming draft, so it's also possible that the team chooses to use its selection to find its quarterback of the future.

The Seattle Seahawks' decision to trade Russell Wilson might not have been the indication they are preparing to start over that it initially seemed. 

Per Aaron Wilson of the Pro Football Network, the Seahawks "are interested in" Deshaun Watson and "are expected to explore trade scenarios" for him. 

Wilson noted Watson is scheduled to give his first deposition Friday regarding some of the 22 civil lawsuits he's facing after being accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, and there is "no trade imminent or developing" for the three-time Pro Bowler.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the Seahawks agreed to send Wilson and a fourth-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos for Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, Noah Fant, two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks and a fifth-round draft pick. 

There will be competition for Watson if his legal situation is resolved during the offseason. Wilson noted the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders are interested in acquiring the 26-year-old. 

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones noted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also "keeping tabs" on Watson. 

In addition to the civil lawsuits, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told ESPN's John Barr in July that 10 women have filed criminal complaints against Watson to Houston police.

"Eight of the women, according to Hardin, are among the 22 women who have alleged in lawsuits that Watson sexually assaulted them or engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions," Barr wrote.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing many women in the civil lawsuits, told Jenny Vrentas and Juliet Macur of the New York Times that "several" of his clients have been subpoenaed to testify in front of a grand jury Friday. 

Watson is also subject to potential discipline from the NFL under the personal conduct policy. 

The Seahawks shut the door on their previous era Tuesday. After the team agreed to trade Wilson, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Seattle informed linebacker Bobby Wagner he was being released. 

A complete rebuild doesn't seem to make sense for Seattle. Pete Carroll is the oldest active head coach in the NFL (70). The Seahawks still have dynamic talent on offense with Tyler Lockett signed through the 2025 season and DK Metcalf eligible for an extension this offseason. 

Watson didn't play for the Houston Texans in 2021. He remained on the 53-man roster but was inactive for all 17 games.   

It's been over a year since Deshaun Watson requested a trade from the Houston Texans, yet no deals appear imminent.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, "Until Watson's legal situation is resolved, teams remain unwilling to pursue a trade for the Texans quarterback. ... Teams haven't shown any urgency to pursue a trade this offseason while his legal situation is still up in the air."

Watson, 26, reportedly asked the Texans to trade him in Jan. 2021. But 22 women then sued him, accusing him of sexual assault and inappropriate sexual behavior. Ten women also filed criminal complaints with Houston police, including eight of the women suing him. 

Watson didn't play in the 2021 season, though he did get paid for the year after being a healthy scratch in all 17 weeks. 

Texans new head coach Lovie Smith told reporters on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he had "no idea" if Watson would be on the roster for the 2022 season and said the team was hoping for "a prompt resolution" to the situation. 

"But I'm also a patient man, too, and time normally takes care of everything," he added. "We understand this is Year 2, and I know Deshaun wants to play and ... it will come to a head. I have faith in that. We just have to give it a little time, and hopefully, everybody will be happy with it. I'm sure that will be the case."

Until there is more clarity on Watson's legal situation, however, that prompt resolution isn't coming. A player of Watson's caliber—he threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020, completing 70.2 percent of his passes—wouldn't be on the trade market long without extenuating circumstances. 

There were reports that the Miami Dolphins seriously considered trading for Watson ahead of the 2021 trade deadline and the Carolina Panthers showed interest, though both teams abstained. 

For now, however, the Texans and Watson remain in limbo, and it appears it will stay that way until his legal situation concludes.

Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith told reporters on Wednesday that he has "no idea" if quarterback Deshaun Watson will be with the team in the 2022 season. 

"I just know Deshaun is an excellent football player," he added. "Excellent football players need to be playing somewhere in the NFL. Hopefully that will happen and if it's not with us it's somewhere else and I'm sure ... as I see in this situation, both of us eventually are going to benefit from the situation and I just can't wait for that to speed up a little bit."

Watson, who asked to be traded last offseason, sat out the entire 2021 campaign after 22 women sued him for sexual assault and misconduct. Eight of the women who sued him also filed complaints with Houston police, as well as two others who have not filed lawsuits. Watson has yet to be charged, with a grand jury expected to make a decision about whether he will be criminally indicted by April 1. 

There were rumors ahead of the trade deadline this past season that the Miami Dolphins were interested in acquiring the quarterback, though no deal was made. 

Dolphins GM Chris Grier says “the door is shut on Deshaun Watson.” He says that is definitive and they believe in Tua Tagovailoa’s development going into Year 3.

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 2, 2022

Pressed about the team’s potential interest in pursuing Deshaun Watson, #Eagles GM Howie Roseman shifts attention back to his confidence in Jalen Hurts.

“We have a 23-year-old quarterback who led us to the playoffs.”

— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) March 2, 2022

On the field, Watson has emerged as one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the game, throwing for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020 while completing 70.2 percent of his passes. 

The 26-year-old is already a three-time Pro Bowler, but uncertainty over his legal situation has left him—and the Texans—in limbo.

General manager Nick Caserio told reporters on Tuesday that the situation remained "day to day in terms of handling" it.

"Once the information becomes more relevant or prevalent then we'll handle it accordingly," he added. "My philosophy from the beginning has always been to do the right thing by the Houston Texans organization and we're going to continue to do that here moving forward."

It seems likely that once Watson's legal situation is resolved he will be traded. Regardless of that outcome, he could also be facing disciplinary action from the NFL as it continues its own investigation. 

Smith told reporters he was hoping for "a prompt resolution" to the situation, but added that he was a "patient man."

"Time normally takes care of everything," he continued. "We understand this is Year 2 and I know Deshaun wants to play and ... it will come to a head. I have faith in that. We just have to give it a little time and hopefully everybody will be happy with it. I'm sure that will be the case."

Multiple NFL teams are reportedly willing to trade for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson this offseason as long as the 10 criminal complaints filed against him are resolved.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Thursday the unnamed teams are willing to move forward with trade talks under those circumstances, even if the 22 civil lawsuits brought against Watson remain active.

Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney, said during a court hearing Monday he expects Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg to decide by April 1 whether to file criminal charges based on the complaints lodged against Watson, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop.

The 26-year-old Georgia native didn't play during the 2021 season following the allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions, though he wasn't suspended by the NFL or placed on the commissioner's exempt list.

Houston kept him on its active roster and declared him inactive for each of its 17 games.

Watson requested a trade last January before the criminal complaints and civil lawsuits were filed. He's under contract through 2025 as part of a four-year, $156 million deal.

Last month, Texans general manager Nick Caserio was asked during an appearance on Houston's SportsRadio 610 (via Chase Goodbread of NFL.com) whether the quarterback would return in 2022.

"There's been some commentary that more than likely would not be the case," Caserio said. "I think we just have to be open-minded and just take the information and process it. Then ultimately make the decision we feel makes the most sense for everybody involved, whatever that looks like."

From a football perspective, Watson has been one of the NFL's best quarterbacks since the Texans selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 14,539 yards with 104 passing touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 54 career regular-season games. He's added 1,677 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground.

If traded and cleared to play in 2022, he could transform a fringe playoff team into a championship contender.

Meanwhile, the Texans are staring down another rebuild after posting a 4-13 record in 2021, and a Watson deal would probably bring in some resources to help accelerate the process.