Deshaun Watson Rumors: Will The Falcons, Browns, Saints Or Panthers Trade With Houston?

After months of rumors, the trade market for Deshaun Watson is coming into focus. The New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers have emerged as suitors for the Houston Texans quarterback.

Watson has already met with the Saints, Panthers and Browns. The quarterback is reportedly meeting with the Falcons on Wednesday, a decision that has surprised many around the NFL.

Because Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract, he can essentially pick his destination. Houston has already approved proposed trade offers from teams that are meeting with Watson, according to reports.

Where will Watson decide to play? Here’s a ranking of the most likely destinations for the quarterback.

1) New Orleans Saints

The Saints have been viewed as the favorites to land Watson. New Orleans has had the most recent success of the quarterback’s suitors, by far. The Saints made the playoffs every year from 2017-2020 and finished with a winning record in 2021, despite using three starting quarterbacks. New Orleans has the best defense of any potential destination. When healthy, receiver Michael Thomas is one of the best in the NFL.

2) Carolina Panthers

It’s no secret that Panthers owner David Tepper wants Watson. Carolina is one of the few teams that seriously considered trading for Watson last year, even before it was ruled that he wouldn’t face criminal charges for allegations of sexual assault. Carolina’s Bank of America Stadium is just a two-hour drive from Clemson, where Watson was one of college football’s top stars. Watson could immediately turn the Panthers into the second-best team in a weak NFC South.

3) Cleveland Browns

The Browns emerged as a dark-horse suitor for Watson when it was reported Tuesday that they would meet with the three-time Pro Bowler. The team still owes Baker Mayfield $18.9 million next season after the quarterback struggled with injuries in 2021. In a difficult AFC North, Watson’s path back to the playoffs wouldn’t be easy. Cleveland might be forced to pay more than other suitors because it would mean Watson staying in the AFC.

4) Atlanta Falcons

It remains unclear if the Falcons are serious about trading for Watson or simply trying to drive up the price for their NFC South rivals. Moving on from Matt Ryan could be messy, considering his contract includes a $55.5 million dead cap for the 2022 season. Watson grew up in Georgia and has a relationship with Falcons owner Arthur Blank. It’s possible that Atlanta will move on from Ryan and build around Watson, but it’s unlikely.