NFL fans slap tampering allegation on Deshaun Watson after latest comment on DeAndre Hopkins
Deshaun Watson is just months away from the NFL’s suspension, but the quarterback’s recent comments invite speculation of another punishment.
In statements on The Q Podcast via Mikey McNuggets on Twitter, the quarterback hinted he may be in touch with former teammate DeAndre Hopkins.
In response, some fans were excited, others wrote off the possibility of a reunion, and others claimed tampering was afoot. Here’s a look at how fans have reacted:
Deshaun Watson’s potential reunion with WR creates a bizarre full-circle moment for Brown’s QB
Just three seasons ago, Hopkins and Deshaun Watson shared a squad in Texas. However, both players have made trips out of the state.
Hopkins was traded for what many have called the first and last nail in the coffin of short-lived general manager Bill O’Brien. The head coach and general manager was fired shortly after the move. In Arizona, the wide receiver changed the offense and possibly the trajectory of Kyler Murray’s career. In 2020 he had over 1,400 yards and six touchdowns.
While his availability over the next two seasons was suspect, he played a role in leading the team to its first playoff appearance since the Carson Palmer era. Now that the Cardinals are undergoing offensive refurbishments, everything seems to be on the table for the 30-year-old receiver.
Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson stayed in Texas a little longer before feeling it was time to abandon ship. Shortly after the 4-12 season that followed the wide receiver trade, the quarterback was dragged underwater by a sea of sexual misconduct allegations. Over the next 12 months, he spent much of his time fighting the tide.
At the same time, Watson wanted to be traded by the Texans and so stood by when the Davis Mills team trotted. During the following offseason, the quarterback managed to stem various lawsuits. Eventually, the league imposed a suspension on the quarterback, causing him to miss about half of the 2022 season.
When he returned, the Browns were close to being eliminated from the playoffs and didn’t see much of a boost from the quarterback’s return. However, Browns fans are hoping for a fresh start for the team and quarterback in 2023.