With the 2021 NFL trade deadline fast approaching, there is speculation regarding the futures of a few marquee players. Deshaun Watson has been at the center of trade rumors since he asked to be dealt early this year, and Odell Beckham is constantly viewed as a potential trade candidate.

What are the chances that either star will be moved by the Nov. 2 deadline? It’s probably more likely than not that both players are staying put, for now, though a deal can’t be ruled out.

Watson certainly appears more likely than Beckham to be traded, even in spite of his legal issues. There continue to be rumors that suggest that Miami Dolphins are interested in acquiring the quarterback from the Houston Texans. It was recently reported that Miami might trade for Watson this week, desperate to upgrade the quarterback position after suffering a fifth straight loss.

Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t thrived with the Dolphins since being selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa’s 86.7 passer rating is slightly worse than his rating as a rookie, and he’s averaging just 181.4 yards in 13 career games.

“I don’t get into rumors,” Dolphins head coach Brian Flores told reporters Friday. “Tua is our quarterback. I’m happy with our quarterback.”

Watson hasn’t been a member of Houston’s active roster all season. The Texans have reportedly lowered their asking price, previously seeking at least three first-rounders in addition to other future picks.

When on the field, Watson is one of the best players in the NFL. Watson had 33 touchdown passes, seven interceptions and a league-high 4,823 passing yards in 2020. As he faces more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct or assault, it’s unknown when Watson might play in a NFL game again.

Beckham has not been selected to the Pro Bowl since 2016, in part because of his inability to stay on the field. The wide receiver has been a disappointment since being traded to the Cleveland Browns prior to the 2019 season, averaging just 56.4 receiving yards per game in 28 contests.

In five seasons with the New York Giants, Beckham posted 92.8 yards per game.

Beckham was limited to only two catches for 23 yards in Thursday’s win over the Denver Broncos. Case Keenum started at quarterback for the injured Baker Mayfield. Beckham and Mayfield have seemingly developed little chemistry on the field in their time as teammates.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported last season that the Browns might look to trade Beckham. There’s been more speculation this year that the receiver won’t finish his contract, which runs through 2023, in Cleveland.

Beckham’s lack of production and the $9 million he’s still owed this year have hurt his trade value. Cleveland isn’t actively looking to move Beckham, whom the Browns hope can still be part of a deep playoff run.

Beckham has 226 yards and no touchdowns this season.

Deshaun Watson Houston Texans
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. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
RELATED STORIES