Brian Flores: Dolphins want 'high character' players amid Deshaun Watson rumors

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson generated massive buzz over the weekend by reporting the Miami Dolphins were front-runners to land Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who requested a trade earlier this year before it became known he was facing 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct. 

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Dolphins coach Brian Flores discussed his approach toward such acquisitions without directly discussing Watson on Monday. 

"There are a lot of things we weigh when we're making decisions — fit on the team, overall talent, salary cap," Flores explained. "When we're talking about a player or players, we're always trying to do what is best for the Miami Dolphins. There are a lot of variables. We want a group that is tough, smart, competitive, loves to play and is team-first. Those are the types of guys we're looking for.

"We have a high standard for the people we have in the organization. We want people with high character throughout the building."

As things stand today, second-year pro Tua Tagovailoa will start at quarterback for the Dolphins when they open the regular season at the New England Patriots on Sept. 12. Houston has veteran Tyrod Taylor as QB1 but would likely add Tagovailoa to the roster in any trade that would involve sending Watson to Miami. 

Currently, the NFL is not placing Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, meaning he's eligible to practice and play ahead of Week 1.