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Following an off-season marred by more than a dozen sexual assault allegations, Deshaun Watson returned to the Houston Texans as the team began training camps. However, it does not appear that Watson will remain with the team much longer. While Watson had to return to training camp to avoid a $50,000 per day fine, the Texans have reportedly moved on and began looking into potential trade destinations for their starting quarterback.
The Texans reportedly set a high price tag for Watson. Houston is reportedly searching for a combination of five high draft picks and starting-caliber players. Trade talks have yet to reach anything of note, but those close to the former Clemson Tiger believe it will not take long for him to be moved to a new team.
"I'm 100% sure he'll be traded at some point in the coming future," Watson's quarterback coach, Quincy Avery, told NFL insider Adam Schefter.
"I think the Texans have made the decision to move on. He doesn't want to be there, they're ready to move on; all they're waiting for is fair market value for him, and they'll get a lot."
Watson expressed interest in leaving Houston seven months ago. However, talks were quickly stifled as the alleged "serial predator" was hit with 23 accusations of sexual assault and misconduct in March. Accusations ranged from forcible touching, nonconsensual encounters and indecent exposure. As civil lawsuits and accusations began to pile up in front of the public, the Houston Police Department and the National Football League began investigating the matter separately.
"A complainant filed a report with the Houston Police Department concerning Deshaun Watson," the Houston Police Department stated in April.
"As with any allegation, the Houston Police Department is now conducting an investigation and will not comment further during the investigative process."
Despite the number of allegations levied against Watson, Roger Goodell and the NFL have refused to put the alleged "serial predator" on the Commissioner's Exempt List. As a result, Watson is currently eligible to play in the 2021-2022 NFL season.
The 2021-2022 NFL regular season is set to begin on September 9.
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