WATSON WATCH
Grand jury reaches decision on Deshaun Watson, criminal charges
According to multiple reports, Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson has been cleared of criminal charges in Harris County.
The 22 lawsuits are still pending. But that a grand jury returned no criminal charges is a very significant development, and presumably a big step towards Texans trading him and Watson returning to the NFL.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 11, 2022
Interested teams are now more likely to come forward. https://t.co/k6yXWPaXEg
Watson still has 22 civil lawsuits pending, but with criminal charges behind him, the trade market for Deshaun Watson should heat up quickly. ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reported last week that several teams would be interested in Watson, even with the civil cases pending.
The Panthers, Eagles, and Commanders have been rumored to have interest in trading for Watson. The Commanders traded for Colts QB Carson Wentz this week, so they're clearly out at this point. It would almost be impossible to fit both QBs under the salary cap. But the Panthers appear determined to acquire the Texans' Pro Bowl QB. Of course, Watson's no-trade clause could still complicate trade scenarios for the Texans.
Statement from NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on grand jury returning nine 'no bills' on criminal complaints filed against Deshaun Watson: 'We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 11, 2022
This is no doubt a big win for Deshaun Watson, but he could still be punished by the league under the personal conduct policy.
TEXANS NEWS
Mike Florio lays out how likely lawsuit against Houston Texans will hold up
With news coming down this week regarding the Houston Texans and their alleged role in the Deshaun Watson situation, ProFootballTalk founder and former lawyer Mike Florio shares his thoughts on the Texans being sued by Tony Buzbee and how he sees the legal proceedings playing out.
Also, Florio believes that the outcome of these cases will come down to "legal duty," and the Texans will argue they had no idea what Watson was doing, and it wasn't their responsibility to protect these individuals that have no ties to the organization.
Be sure to check out the video above for a full breakdown from a legal perspective.