Things are coming to a head in Deshaun Watson’s trade talks. His camp ruled out the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, and it’s starting to sound like the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are on top of his list of preferred landing spots — something Watson can control given the no-trade clause written into his contract.
Despite having committed more time to recruiting Watson than anyone, the Carolina Panthers appear to be slipping back behind the pack. The Athletic’s Joe Person reports that the Panthers would need a “Hail Mary” to pull off the trade, despite having committed more time to recruiting Watson than anyone.
So it comes down to the Saints, a team ready to win now with Watson, and the Falcons, the still-rebuilding team he grew up supporting. Of course it comes down to two of the NFL’s most fervent rivals. After flying out to Atlanta for a meeting with Falcons brass on Wednesday (all past meetings with teams happened in Houston), Watson joined the Saints that evening for a second meeting.
