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When it's all set and done, Shaun King still believes Deshaun Watson will end up with the the Steelers. King said on Friday night that Watson’s ultimate destination and landing spot is Pittsburgh.
With Watson not facing any criminal charges, a bevy of teams are now interested in trading for the 26-year-old quarterback. However, Watson is still facing 22 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct. So, he's not in the clear yet. The grand jury just didn't find enough evidence to press criminal charges. Watson could still possibly face suspension this year, as well.
Along with King, Kimberley Martin also reported that the Steelers are interested in Watson. However, Gerry Dulac, Jason La Canfora and Aaron Wilson are saying that the Steelers have expressed no interest in Watson. So, the reports are all over the place.
Watson has a no-trade clause and would probably love to play for Mike Tomlin, as King mentioned. Brian Flores also wanted the Dolphins to trade for Watson last year. Watson was also interested in playing for Flores. Stephen Ross didn't want to make the move with the unclarity of Watson's legal issues, however.
Tomlin wants a mobile quarterback who can extend plays, and Watson certainly fits that description. Watson is obviously a very talented quarterback, but would Art Rooney II sign off on a trade with Watson carrying so much baggage?
Personally, I don't think Rooney wants Watson. I just don't think he wants the distraction. Rooney is pretty close to the vest. The situation with Ben Roethlisberger back in 2010 was different because he was on the team already. Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault twice in two years and was suspended for six games in 2010, which was later reduced to four.
Roethlisberger wasn't charged with either accusation, the 2009 one was settled and the 2010 one was dropped, but at the time, the Steelers' patience with Roethlisberger was growing thin and they were looking to trade him.
Rooney also might be hesitant to give up two first-round picks or whatever the Texans would want for Watson. Yeah, the Steelers traded a first-round pick to the Dolphins for Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019, but I think that was an anomaly. It was the first time since 1967 that the Steelers didn't have a first-round pick.
A lot of people get frustrated with the Steelers being too old school and stuck in the past, but the Steelers have a formula that they like to follow, especially when it comes to securing draft capital. Watson just seems like too risky of an investment for Rooney. Although, if Rooney gives the OK, Watson landing with the Steelers makes a whole lot of sense. The Browns are also one of the many teams who are reportedly interested in Watson. The Browns reportedly have been aggressive about Watson and are “incredibly interested” and have emerged as a wild-card entry. Could that motivate Rooney to make a move? Who knows.
I believe King's report that Watson wants to be paired with Tomlin in Pittsburgh. Do the Steelers want Watson, however. Or should I say does Rooney want Watson? That's the part that's unclear as of right now.