Other than Miami, teams showing the most interest last year were Philadelphia, Carolina and Denver. If Watson reaches settlements on the 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and assault, more teams could contact general manager Nick Caserio about a possible trade.
Last year, Watson told the Texans he would exercise the no-trade clause in his contract to reject any team other than the Dolphins.
Flores, Miami’s head coach last season, owner Stephen Ross and general manager Chris Grier were on board with a trade for Watson. They had a deal for three first-round draft choices as well as picks in the third and fifth rounds, but negotiations ended close to the Nov. 2 trade deadline.
Ross insisted Watson reach settlements on the civil suits, and when he was unable to do it by the deadline, the trade wasn’t consummated.
When the new league year begins March 16, Watson can be traded, but he’ll have the same legal issues as far as the lawsuits and investigations by the Houston Police Department and the NFL.
Flores, who was fired after the season despite compiling back-to-back winning records, filed a lawsuit against the league, including the Dolphins, Giants and Broncos, for racial discrimination, specifically unfair hiring and firing practices against minorities.
Among the allegations in his lawsuit, Flores accused Ross of offering him $100,000 for each loss the Dolphins had in 2019 when the owner wanted to get the first overall pick in the 2020 draft to use on quarterback Joe Burrow. Flores said he refused.
If Flores can prove Ross did offer him money to tank games, there could be serious repercussions for the Dolphins. A decision to fine multibillionaire owners millions for violating league rules doesn’t hit them where it hurts, but taking away high draft choices — first-round picks, for example — certainly does.
It’s hard to imagine Miami still appealing to Watson knowing Flores is no longer coaching the Dolphins and the team could lose draft choices.
Here’s something to consider: If the Dolphins had used the fifth pick in the 2020 draft on quarterback Justin Herbert rather than Tua Tagovailoa, they wouldn’t have been interested in Watson.
The Chargers selected Herbert one spot behind Tagovailoa, and he’s been outstanding in his first two seasons. As for Tagovailoa, he’s been inconsistent and has struggled through injury-impeded seasons.
Wouldn’t we like to know the whole truth and nothing but behind the Dolphins’ decision to bypass Herbert for Tagovailoa before vigorously pursuing Watson? There’s got to be some juicy details involving Ross, Flores and Grier, right?
Now, if Watson rejects overtures from the Dolphins, then what teams might interest him? When the time comes, will Watson approve teams like Denver, Carolina and Philadelphia, among others? Will they still be interested?
Quarterbacks with Watson’s talent and credentials are seldom available. That’s why, if he reaches settlements on the lawsuits, Watson should be in demand.
Watson, 26, is starting the four-year, $156 million contract extension he signed before the 2020 season. His base salary is $35 million this season. He’ll be 30 in the last year of his contract.
Teams looking for quarterbacks like Burrow, Herbert, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen should be calling Caserio as the new league year approaches. Any trade will probably be closer to April 28, the first day of the draft.
Watson didn’t get beat up last season because he was inactive for every game. In 2020, his last season, he threw for 4,823 yards, completed 70.2 percent, totaled 33 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, averaged 8.9 yards per attempt and fashioned a 112.4 rating.
The Texans’ 4-12 record wasn’t Watson’s fault. He was exceptional. The problem was a running game that finished 31st and a run defense that was 32nd.
Caserio may not get the three first-round picks and two second-round selections he wanted last year, but if he gets a solid offer before the draft, he should take it. The Texans don’t want the Watson situation to drag out through the offseason.
This won’t happen, but what if the Texans eventually placed Watson on waivers? Jacksonville would have the first shot at him, but the Jaguars have Trevor Lawrence. Detroit would be next. Certainly, the Lions would claim Watson to play over Jared Goff. When Watson was thinking about South Florida as his new destination, it’s doubtful Detroit entered his mind.
As we get closer to the start of the new league year in March, Watson needs to work on getting clarity on his legal problems, so Caserio can restart trade negotiations.
If Watson can’t get his legal issues worked out, it’s going to be another long, drawn-out, offseason that’s been festering for 13 months .
john.mcclain@chron.com
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