- Deshaun Watson has reported to training camp to avoid fines, asking price allegedly set.
- Joe Burrow is back and ready to go after his rookie campaign was cut short.
- Michael Thomas’ injury leaves New Orleans Saints in search of a replacement.
LAS VEGAS – With Deshaun Watson back with the Houston Texans at training camp, the asking price for a potential trade has allegedly been set. Also, Joe Burrow has been a full participant and has been removed from the injury report. Lastly, the New Orleans Saints are left looking to fill out their roster after the news of Michael Thomas’ injury.
Deshaun Watson Returns To Camp, Asking Price Very High
Deshaun Watson has flown under the radar a little bit due to the Aaron Rodgers saga, but the future of yet another elite quarterback is uncertain. Watson showed up for training camp with the Houston Texans, but not for the purpose of the team. He was susceptible to a $50,000 fine each day he did not report.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson will report to the Texans today to avoid being fined $50K per day during their training camp, per @WerderEdESPN. Watson’s trade request remains in effect, with source saying nothing has changed in that regard.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2021
Despite Watson being present, his mindset has allegedly been unchanged as he still wants to be traded to a different franchise. The Texans, who originally refused to accept trade calls, have now reportedly set their asking price at five high-round draft picks and multiple starting-caliber players.
Whether any team will give that much for someone who is facing 22 legal charges is yet to be seen, but online gambling sites seem to think Watson will not play for Houston as the team has the lowest win total, shortest odds for the worst record and longest odds to make the playoffs.
Joe Burrow A Full-Go For Training Camp
Joe Burrow suffered a torn ACL in the latter half of the 2020-2021 NFL season which cut his rookie season short. However, after claiming his knee was 85% in May, is now not listed on the physically unable to perform or non-football injury list.
Prior to his injury, Burrow was on track to set multiple rookie records and now, with some improvements to the team, he should be able to pick up where he left off. If Burrow is truly 100% healthy, he could be primed for a monster season.
Sports gambling sites have set Burrow’s season totals at 4200.5 yards, 26.5 touchdowns and 10.5 interceptions.
Michael Thomas Injury Timeline Leaves Saints Scrambling
Michael Thomas struggled through last season with a variety of injuries and setbacks. Now, due to the same lingering injury, the wide receiver has undergone surgery that has about a four-month recovery period. Thomas could end up missing around a third of the season.
In response to Thomas’ absence, the New Orleans Saints have been working out wide receivers in hopes to help fill the void. Chris Hogan is one, but is currently playing in the Premier Lacrosse League although that doesn’t necessarily rule him out as the PLL season ends on August 15.
There isn’t anybody who can truly replace Thomas, but some notable free-agent receivers include Alshon Jeffrey, Golden Tate III, Marqise Lee, Dede Westbrook and Larry Fitzgerald all of which could potentially put a band-aid on the bullet would that is the Saints receiving room.