Texans reportedly 'prepared to keep' Deshaun Watson past trade deadline

All eyes are on the Houston Texans with the trade deadline approaching, but ESPN's Adam Schefter says a deal involving quarterback Deshaun Watson appears unlikely.

According to Schefter, the Texans plan to reopen trade discussions in the offseason, despite the wishes of many inside the organization -- including even owner Cal McNair -- for a deal to happen sooner rather than later. General manager Nick Caserio, who has been given final say by McNair, is unwilling to settle for anything less than top value for Watson.

Finding such compensation is especially difficult for the Texans given Watson's current legal trouble. Watson is facing more than 20 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct, though no charges have been filed as of yet.

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly been the frontrunner for a deal involving Watson, but are hesitant to make the trade until they have more clarity about Watson's legal situation.

With any clarity unlikely to come before the Tuesday, Nov. 2 deadline, the Dolphins may be content to wait until the 2022 offseason to dive back into trade negotiations. 

Watson, 26, was a first-round pick in 2017 and earned Pro Bowl nods in each of the last three seasons. Watson has not yet played a game in 2021 due to his off-field issues, but has remained on the team's active roster since Week 1. He has appeared on the team's injury report each week, although his absence is listed as "not injury related."