Eagles Linked To Watson Trade

Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas.

The Philadelphia Eagles are starting to look more and more like a viable trade destination for Deshaun Watson. The two sides continue to be linked amid Watson’s legal troubles and his desire to no longer play for the Houston Texans.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso reported late Wednesday night that talks were heating up between Philadelphia and Houston over a potential Watson trade. The idea that the two teams were nearing an agreement was refuted by multiple NFL reports, and Watson remains with the Texans as of Thursday afternoon.

But it wasn’t the first rumor suggesting the Eagles might trade for Watson, and it likely won’t be the last. In mid-July, ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested that Philadelphia could be poised to eventually land the star quarterback.

The Eagles, or any other team, might be wary of trading for Watson before his issues off the field are settled. There are 22 civil lawsuits pending against Watson for sexual assault, and 10 women have filed police complaints.

It’s not yet known if Watson will be suspended by the NFL, or for how long a suspension would last.

Before the allegations against Watson became public, the quarterback asked the Texans to trade him. One of the best players in football, Watson would be pursued by many teams and worth several first-round draft picks, under normal circumstances.

The Eagles could potentially have three first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia’s presumptive starting quarterback for the 2021 season, was not drafted with the intention of being the team’s No. 1 signal caller. Hurts showed flashes in four starts last year, but he finished the season with a poor 77.6 passer rating.

The Eagles, Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos have been viewed as potential trade candidates for Watson.

Watson has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. The 25-year-old led the league with 4,823 yards and 8.9 yards per attempt. Watson posted career bests with 33 touchdown passes, seven interceptions and a 112.4 passer rating.

Watson is under contract through the 2025 season.