Report: Watson trade not imminent despite game absence

A Deshaun Watson trade isn't imminent despite increased speculation stemming partly from his absence during the Houston Texans' preseason finale, sources told Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790.

Watson wasn't on the sideline Saturday at NRG Stadium as the Texans took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A report earlier in the day labeled the Miami Dolphins the front-runners to land Watson, leading to buzz online that a deal could be close.

The signal-caller has been quiet about his status with the Texans since requesting a trade early in the offseason. He's routinely sat out preseason practice and didn't play in any of the team's three exhibition games.

The Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Philadelphia Eagles have all been linked to Watson. The 25-year-old would waive his no-trade clause for the Dolphins and Panthers, but not for the Eagles, Wilson reports.

Carolina is sticking with Sam Darnold for now after previously trading assets to get him from the New York Jets, sources told Wilson.

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Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards while throwing a personal-best 33 touchdown passes last season en route to his third career Pro Bowl selection. The Texans are reportedly asking suitors for three first-round picks and two second-rounders in return.

This offseason, 22 women filed lawsuits that accuse Watson of sexual assault and harassment, complicating the trade talks. Watson also faces criminal complaints from 10 women.

He's due $10.54 million in base salary in 2021 before his four-year, $156-million extension starts in 2022.