Deshaun Watson still hasn't decided between Falcons, Saints

Deshaun Watson still has not made a decision on which team he wants to end up with. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Texans' Deshaun Watson reportedly still hasn't decided between Falcons, Saints

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/17/22

NFL fans planning to constantly refresh their Twitter timelines through late Thursday night as they search for news regarding Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson may want to instead get some rest and try again on Friday.

It was reported earlier in the day that Watson will only waive his no-trade clause to complete moves to either the Atlanta Falcons or the New Orleans Saints and also that the three-time Pro Bowl selection removed the Cleveland Browns from consideration. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote shortly before 5 p.m. ET Thursday that Watson remained "undecided" on where he'll go, and Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network has since tweeted the same:

Deshaun Watson has not made a decision and is still weighing his options as he weighs this major decision on which team to waive no-trade clause for, according to league source. Falcons, Saints are leaders for three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, per sources.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2022

It was previously believed the Falcons needed an answer by early Friday morning at the latest because Atlanta signal-caller Matt Ryan will "earn" a $7.5 million roster bonus that doesn't get paid out until April 15. However, MMQB's Albert Breer explained how the Falcons could mathematically remain in the Watson sweepstakes even if he keeps teams guessing through the start of the weekend:

Logistical note on Falcons QB Matt Ryan's $7.5 million roster bonus—it's earned tomorrow, but not paid until April 15. So it's possible he'd be amenable to pushing the "earned" date back, since it won't make a difference in when he's paid.

Unless he wants to force the issue ...
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 17, 2022

Ryan, obviously, will be going elsewhere if Atlanta lands Watson and could soon be linked with the Browns. Cleveland reportedly won't accommodate the trade request made by quarterback Baker Mayfield following his employer's public pursuit of Watson that included a meeting between the parties in Houston, but insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com notes the Browns could change their minds and ship Mayfield to a buyer such as the Indianapolis Colts or Seattle Seahawks if they know they can acquire Ryan to replace the 2018 first overall draft pick.

As Florio wrote earlier in the day, each hour that passes offers different teams more time to think about trading for Watson and to put together possible packages for what will ultimately be a blockbuster deal.

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