Deshaun Watson Trade Rumors: Dolphins Won't Trade For Texans QB Ahead of Deadline

Deshaun Watson is expected to remain with the Houston Texans past the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline after the Miami Dolphins reportedly declined to make a move at this time.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Dolphins owner Stephen Ross made the final decision to not pursue Watson. 

The Texans are expected to resume trade talks during the offseason. 

Watson is currently the subject of 22 lawsuits by women who have accused him of sexual assault and misconduct. Ten women have made criminal complaints against Watson; the Houston Police Department and NFL are investigating the allegations.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the ongoing cases and investigations were the main blocking point in a trade getting done ahead of the deadline. Watson's playing future remains up in the air, and it's likely he will face an NFL suspension next season, even if he's not charged with a crime. The NFL's personal conduct policy does not require criminal charges or convictions for players to be suspended.

Watson has been inactive every game this season. 

The Dolphins were regularly mentioned as Watson's top suitor, and it seemed recently that there was momentum for a deal. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk told Pardon My Take last week that there was a "94.9 percent" chance Watson would be traded before the deadline.

Miami has not seemed enamored with Tua Tagovailoa since taking him with the No. 5 pick in last year's NFL draft. Coach Brian Flores gave Tagovailoa a tepid endorsement last week, saying the Alabama product would be his quarterback for the remainder of the 2021 season but offered no guarantees beyond that. 

The overwhelming likelihood is that the Dolphins and Texans will resume trade talks when and if the lawsuits and cases against Watson are resolved. While Miami could face increased competition from teams wanting a young quarterback, the Dolphins remain an overwhelming favorite to be Watson's eventual landing spot.