Report: Deshaun Watson won’t waive no-trade clause to join Eagles

<div> <figure> <img alt="Houston Texans v Philadelphia Eagles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j0Z0ogl1-WdV7bPmMFXc72DEylI=/0x0:4226x2817/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69789248/1087073342.0.jpg"> <figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Philly is interested in the Texans QB but apparently the feeling isn’t mutual. </p> <p id="RzxowP">There’s been <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2021/7/22/22589180/nfl-trade-rumors-deshaun-watson-howard-eskin-philadelphia-eagles-quarterback-texans-percent-chance"><strong>no shortage of rumors</strong></a> indicating the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> are interested in trading for Deshaun Watson. </p> <p id="EpAdRY">But is Watson interested in the Eagles? </p> <p id="TLvcXT">Most players don’t get to control where they get traded. Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract, however, which he can waive in order to facilitate a deal. </p> <p id="bkVEHX">As it turns out, the word is that Watson has no interest in coming to Philly. The following comes from Houston-based reporter <a href="https://sportstalk790.iheart.com/content/2021-08-28-sources-no-trade-imminent-for-texans-quarterback-deshaun-watson/">Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790</a> (bold emphasis mine):</p> <blockquote> <p id="z8cl9O">Watson would waive his no-trade clause for the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>, according to multiple sources, just as he would have for the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>. However, the Panthers, per sources, are sticking with quarterback Sam Darnold at this time after acquiring him in a trade from the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>. The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> are sticking with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.</p> <p id="3LtVyo"><strong>And the Philadelphia Eagles, whose general manager Howie Roseman has conducted extensive due diligence into Watson’s complicated off-field situation, as have other NFL teams, aren’t one of the teams Watson would waive his no-trade clause for, according to league sources.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p id="LqF9Ex">One can only speculate about why Watson wouldn’t prefer the Eagles. Perhaps it’s because they’re coming off a 4-11-1 season. Perhaps it’s because he wouldn’t want to be subject to the scrutiny of an intensely passionate fan base. Perhaps he prefers warm weather and being close to the beach. </p> <p id="fJxBuz">In any case, the bottom line is that Watson doesn’t want to play for the Eagles. And, therefore, he won’t be playing for the Eagles. Unless all other potential suitors dry up or he somehow otherwise changes his mind, I guess.</p> <p id="8RCRt4">A majority of Eagles fans will be happy to hear this news. And understandably so. While an elite talent, Watson is obviously facing serious allegations of sexual assault. His availability in the NFL moving forward is unclear. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fFwMctSwZAzEVFBHbkcF5YsRt8M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22812589/Screen_Shot_2021_08_28_at_11.51.21_PM.png"> </figure> <p id="TTIhCJ">Just because the Eagles might be out of the Watson market doesn’t necessarily mean they’re definitely sticking with Jalen Hurts as their long-term starter. Hurts will have a chance to prove himself this season, to be sure, but he has a high bar to clear. This much we know from how much the Eagles value the quarterback position. They’re not interested in settling at that spot. Their interest in Watson — despite his unresolved legal situation — confirms as much. </p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="x7eRbs"> <p id="hh8elm">Other Eagles-related Watson reporting from Saturday came from Charles Robinson:</p> <div id="r3itOZ"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources said the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panthers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panthers</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eagles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eagles</a> were also in some element of trade consideration, but Watson’s contractual right to approve the trade destination - which was signed off on by Houston ownership in his last extension - has weighed heavily in trade opportunities.</p>— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesRobinson/status/1431685702966779909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a> </blockquote> </div> </div>