Saints could emerge as dark horse for Deshaun Watson?

Deshaun Watson's status has been a storyline throughout the season and will continue to be until he's with a new franchise. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Saints could emerge as dark horse for Texans QB Deshaun Watson?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/3/21

The New Orleans Saints are looking good with Jameis Winston at quarterback. However, they might be looking for an upgrade at the position.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (h/t Miami Herald's Barry Jackson) spoke to multiple general managers around the league, and some believe the Saints could emerge as a dark horse for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

CBS' Jason La Canfora said he spoke with multiple GMs and they doubt any team would trade for Watson while he's under investigation but "the Dolphins remain his primary suitor and some GMs believe the Saints could emerge as a darkhorse" and Eagles aren't pursuing Watson.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 3, 2021

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported last week that Houston's stance on the asking price for Watson had started to "soften."

Watson remains committed to forcing his way out of Houston and isn't expected to play for the Texans this season. Earlier this month, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Texans have asked teams interested in Watson for a package that consists of six players and draft picks.

Watson requested a trade from the Texans in January, and Yahoo Sports' senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson reported last month that the Miami Dolphins were the front-runner for the Clemson product. However, it's unclear if they remain interested.

The Texans planned to start Tyrod Taylor this season, but that lasted just two games as he is now on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Rookie quarterback Davis Mills has since been named the starter.

It's unclear if Houston's asking price dropped because of Taylor's injury and the need for a quarterback. Regardless, Watson's status has been a storyline throughout the season and will continue to be until he's with a new franchise.

If the Saints end up trading for Watson, it's unclear if Winston would be headed the other way in any deal.

More must-reads: