Deshaun Watson won’t be going to the AFC North after all.
As Deshaun Watson takes his time to whittle down his options, there is one team that won’t be a part of his future plans. The Cleveland Browns were informed that they were out of the running and now have quite the situation with Baker Mayfield to sort out.
This also makes Cleveland’s move for Amari Cooper that much more confusing, as it looked like the Cooper move was to attract Watson in hopes that he’d waive his no-trade clause for the Browns.
That leaves the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers in the mix for Deshaun Watson. According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Saints and Falcons are the top two teams, with the Saints having the edge.
Saints are working hard to convince Deshaun Watson to waive his no-trade clause for them, per league sources. Decision is expected to ultimately come down to Saints vs. Falcons. Saints have been characterized as a leader for Watson. Maintained dialogue since first meeting
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2022
Deshaun Watson should choose the New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans has a better overall roster than Atlanta, and Watson would easily be more competitive with the guys around him in New Orleans. Atlanta would only serve Watson for more off-the-field purposes in that A) it’s close to his hometown and B) maybe playing in his home state would have more fan support and less media scrutiny over the past year’s events (in regards to his legal situation).
Houston would also win in that trade with the Saints, as more playmakers would help the Texans become three to four wins better than what they are right now. Dare we say wildcard team, but crazier things have happened (example: 2020 Bengals vs. 2021 Bengals).
Anything can happen, so stay tuned. But for Cleveland- better luck with the next franchise quarterback you try to trade for.