2:28 p.m.: It really shouldn’t come as much surprise, but it appears Deshaun Watson will remain a Houston Texan as the deadline nears.
The legal problems obviously complicate the situation, but the Texans had multiple reasons not to move him. In addition to the pending lawsuits, Houston is probably better-suited to hold a bidding war when it knows what the draft order will look like. Furthermore, trading him to a team like the Dolphins for draft picks — and then letting Watson potentially devalue the draft picks — doesn’t make much sense.
Obviously, Miami will be a team to watch moving forward as it pertains to the star QB.
12:28 p.m.: Are things about to completely fall apart in Cleveland? Even if the Browns do hold Beckham at the deadline, it doesn’t sound like he’s long for that situation.
12:15 p.m.: Catching up on a relatively smaller move here as we’re into the noon ET hour.
11:05 a.m.: The Packers are a team to keep an eye on, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Makes sense Green Bay would be in the market for a tight end after losing Robert Tonyan for the season to a torn ACL.
11 a.m.: The Houston Texans, very much open for business.
10:55 a.m.: There’s no shortage of drama in Cleveland right now, but it sounds like Odel Beckham Jr. will remain a Brown as the deadline nears, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
10:05 a.m.: It didn’t take too long to get our first trade of the day, with the Kansas City Chiefs leaning on the Steelers to bolster their defense. KC is acquiring Pittsburgh pass rusher Melvin Ingram, according to multiple reports. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report the move.
9:05 a.m.: NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport provided an update Tuesday morning on NFL Network about a few players and teams across the league, most notably checking in on where things stand with Deshaun Watson and a potential trade between the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins.
“Deshaun Watson going to potentially the Miami Dolphins is still, as of right now, possible,” Rapoport said. “My understanding is both sides were open to a deal, (and) they have had recent discussion.”
Also from Rapoport: There’s interest around the league in Steelers pass rusher Melvin Ingram, and Rapoport wouldn’t be surprised if Pittsburgh moves Ingram. Giants receiver Darius Slayton and Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox also were named as players to monitor ahead of the deadline. Of those two, Slayton is far more likely to move, he said.
8 a.m.: One very large domino fell Monday ahead of the NFL trade deadline — will more fall ahead of Tuesday afternoon?
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and the Los Angeles Rams got a head start on the rest of the league by acquiring star pass rusher Von Miller from the Denver Broncos for premier draft capital. LA proved once again it is unafraid to push in whatever chips it has in order to chase a Super Bowl, and given its standing as arguably the best team in the NFL, it seems like a worthwhile gamble.
The rest of the teams around the league are weighing similar sentiments ahead of Tuesday afternoon. It feels unlikely we’ll see another blockbuster on the level of Miller-to-the-Rams, but contenders across the league likely see this as one final chance to address issues before the stretch run.
There is, however, one major move that could be made. While it seems increasingly unlikely the Houston Texans trade Deshaun Watson at this very point, it is possible Nick Caserio strikes now and continues the rebuild. Houston is probably best-suited to wait until the offseason, but Watson will generate plenty of attention regardless Tuesday.
As always, NESN.com will be following all the latest news and rumors as they happen leading up to the deadline, so keep it here for it all.
