*This article dives into sensitive subjects. Reader discretion is advised*
According to independent NFL reporter Dov Kleiman, the Eagles are among the teams “monitoring the legal developments” of Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Eagles’ interest in Watson isn’t something new. Back in March, Jason la Conforta reported that Watson had caught the eye of the Eagles’ ownership.
Since then, the 25-year-old has only gotten himself deeper into trouble as more women have come out against him and his actions.
The Watson Situation Doesn’t Look Good
Watson is currently being sued by 22 women for civil assault. Many of the women suing are massage therapists, who say that Watson performed actions like exposing himself, touching them with his penis, and ejaculating on them during massages.
Two of the women are also suing for sexual assault, claiming that Watson forced them to perform oral sex.
The Houston Police Department and the NFL both have ongoing investigations into these matters.
There’s no telling how long it will take for this to play out. It’s hard to imagine a Watson trade occurring any time soon.
Even If Watson Is Cleared, A Trade Might Not Be A Great Idea
A trade for Watson might not be the best idea, as we previously discussed awhile back. Of course, at that time the Eagles didn’t have the solid draft ammo they do now.
Still, Watson would take a hefty haul to acquire, and there’s no guarantee he would succeed with a team that has so much uncertainty at a number of positions.
Watson’s character and legal troubles also have to be heavily considered now. The allegations don’t paint the quarterback in the best light. Even if he’s a dynamic, game-changing player, he certainly wouldn’t be the best choice to be the face of a franchise.
If the Eagles truly wanted to acquire an older established star, Russell Wilson would be the smart option. The Seahawks would drive a hard bargain, but Wilson has a great repertoire and much less baggage than Watson.
The Eagles would arguably be far better off rolling with current QB Jalen Hurts. Not only would Hurts be cheaper and younger, the Eagles would be able to keep their assets and use them to build around Hurts. Being involved in legal headlines is the last thing Philadelphia could use at this point, that’s for sure.
