Report: Eagles would pursue Deshaun Watson trade, if the window opens for doing so

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to be linked to a potential Deshaun Watson trade.

This much despite the fact the Houston Texans quarterback is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and/or inappropriate conduct.

The latest tidbit comes from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who wrote the following in an articled titled “Could the Eagles be lurking for Deshaun Watson?” on Friday.

Much has to happen before Deshaun Watson could be traded, especially if he’s going to be traded at or around the 2021 draft. If, somehow, Watson manages to properly and appropriately settle the 22 civil lawsuits pending against him before the draft, there’s one team to watch closely as a potential destination.

The Eagles.

Yes, the Eagles. They have Jalen Hurts and Joe Flacco, but Deshaun Watson has proven that he’s a franchise quarterback, and one of the best players in the NFL. As one league source explains it, the Eagles are sufficiently determined to upgrade the team that they would pursue Watson, if the window opens for doing so.

Given the uncertainty of Watson’s current situation, that’s looking like a real big “if.” But this report from Florio is just the latest entry in the timeline of the Eagles being connected to Watson. To recap:

March 17 (Jason La Canfora) — Do not discount the Philadelphia Eagles as a strong suitor for Deshaun Watson. Too many sources with ties to ownership have whispered that sentiment my way for me to ignore.

March 19 (Inquirer) — “Howie will give up everything he has for Watson,” an NFL source familiar with the Eagles’ thinking said.

March 22 (Houston Chronicle) — Eagles are among teams that remain interested in Watson despite uncertainty moving forward

April 6 (Houston Chronicle) — Several NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, are monitoring the latest Watson legal developments, which have complicated any efforts to trade for him.

From an on-field perspective, acquiring Watson makes a lot of sense. The 25-year-old is a legitimate franchise quarterback talent who’s under contract through 2025. A player of Watson’s caliber has the potential to significantly brighten the Eagles’ outlook. And Philly now has the proper draft pick ammo to win a bidding war for him.

But this isn’t Madden. The situation is obviously more complicated than merely weighing the on-field merits. Watson is currently facing these lawsuits and, in addition to any potential consequences to emerge from those, he’s still subject to NFL disciplinary measures.

And, thus, it’s hard to know for sure what the future holds for Watson. If reports are to be believed, a trade to the Eagles could be one of many possible outcomes.