A grand jury in Texas refused to bring criminal charges against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson for allegations of sexual misconduct involving massage therapy sessions.
The grand jury's refusal to indict Watson, 26, does not discard any of the 22 civil lawsuits he faces, but clears him of facing potential jail time or fines regarding the allegations, which included Watson making unwanted advances on massage therapists that ranged from kissing them to touching him with his genitals.
It also does not clear him from potential fines and/or suspensions from the NFL for violation of the personal conduct policy. Watson, who sat out the entire 2021 season while awaiting the grand jury findings, could still be suspended by the NFL to start the 2022 season.
But Watson last year expressed a desire to be traded, stating he no longer wanted to play for the Texans. Now that he has been cleared by the grand jury, that trade could happen quickly -- despite the suspension hanging over his head.
The Steelers are one of the teams rumored to have an interest in Watson, though sources have downplayed that because of the criminal charges. At this time, they still have no interest.
The Panthers and Seahawks also are rumored to be in the market for the three-time Pro Bowl player.
The Texans are reported to be asking for three first-round draft picks and potentially some players, as well. That would be a similar package to what Denver gave up to acquire Russell Wilson from the Seahawks earlier this week.
Hearing if things go well friday Deshaun Watson to the steelers is happening soon after... @VSiNLive @1TimMurray @TheAOster @Bill80 @mlombardiNFL
— shaun king (@realshaunking) March 9, 2022
Speaking with Chris Carter on the Steelers Locked On podcast earlier this week, former Tampa Bay quarterback Shaun King said the Steelers are very interested in acquiring Watson. King, who played in Tampa Bay when Mike Tomlin coached there, also had a coaching internship with the Steelers one summer and is now a broadcaster.
"Well just let me say that I have a vary unique space that I occupy in the broadcasting realm, in that I played, coached, and that I have been a broadcaster," King said. "So I have a very very extensive network of sources and you know lets just say I’ve heard on good authority and I stand by my tweet … if things go right on Friday for Deshaun Watson, that there is mutual interest on both sides on making Deshaun Watson the next quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now to keep it in context, this is the National Football League, nothing is 100 percent done until it’s actually complete."
Watson does have a no-trade clause in his contract that he would have to waive to agree to a trade, so he does have some control over where he might be traded.
He is slated to earn a base salary of $35 million in 2022, $20 million in 2023 -- with an additional $17 million roster bonus -- and $32 million each in 2024 and 2025.
The Steelers are in the market to at least acquire a quarterback to compete with Mason Rudolph in 2022 to be the successor to Ben Roethlisberger, who retired following the 2021 season after 18 seasons as the team's starter.
