Lovie Smith: 'No Idea' If Deshaun Watson Will Remain With Texans amid Trade Rumors

Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith told reporters on Wednesday that he has "no idea" if quarterback Deshaun Watson will be with the team in the 2022 season. 

"I just know Deshaun is an excellent football player," he added. "Excellent football players need to be playing somewhere in the NFL. Hopefully that will happen and if it's not with us it's somewhere else and I'm sure ... as I see in this situation, both of us eventually are going to benefit from the situation and I just can't wait for that to speed up a little bit."

Watson, who asked to be traded last offseason, sat out the entire 2021 campaign after 22 women sued him for sexual assault and misconduct. Eight of the women who sued him also filed complaints with Houston police, as well as two others who have not filed lawsuits. Watson has yet to be charged, with a grand jury expected to make a decision about whether he will be criminally indicted by April 1. 

There were rumors ahead of the trade deadline this past season that the Miami Dolphins were interested in acquiring the quarterback, though no deal was made. 

On the field, Watson has emerged as one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the game, throwing for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020 while completing 70.2 percent of his passes. 

The 26-year-old is already a three-time Pro Bowler, but uncertainty over his legal situation has left him—and the Texans—in limbo.

General manager Nick Caserio told reporters on Tuesday that the situation remained "day to day in terms of handling" it.

"Once the information becomes more relevant or prevalent then we'll handle it accordingly," he added. "My philosophy from the beginning has always been to do the right thing by the Houston Texans organization and we're going to continue to do that here moving forward."

It seems likely that once Watson's legal situation is resolved he will be traded. Regardless of that outcome, he could also be facing disciplinary action from the NFL as it continues its own investigation. 

Smith told reporters he was hoping for "a prompt resolution" to the situation, but added that he was a "patient man."

"Time normally takes care of everything," he continued. "We understand this is Year 2 and I know Deshaun wants to play and ... it will come to a head. I have faith in that. We just have to give it a little time and hopefully everybody will be happy with it. I'm sure that will be the case."