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Report: Stephen Ross tried to set up call with Deshaun Watson before trade deadline, but QB refused

Deshaun Watson and Stephen Ross

Since the Miami Dolphins’ surprise firing of Brian Flores, some interesting reports have surfaced regarding his tenure with the team.

One report revealed that Flores was apparently the driving force behind the Dolphins’ involvement in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. According to the same report, owner Stephen Ross didn’t have an interest in trading for the quarterback.

However, a new report suggests otherwise. It sounds like Ross actually did want to trade for Watson and even tried to get in contact with him before this season’s trade deadline.

Watson reportedly “refused” to speak to Ross.

“The reality is Ross also wanted Watson to be a Dolphin,” wrote Jeff Howe of The Athletic. “Ross tried to set up a phone call with Watson the night before the Nov. 2 trade deadline this season to see if the quarterback would resolve his legal situation to facilitate a trade. Watson wasn’t prepared to settle and refused to speak to Ross.

“The [Houston] Texans have wanted at least five assets, including three first-round picks, in any trade for Watson, according to sources. They also have no plans to reduce those demands when trade discussions resume this offseason.

“If Ross didn’t want to deal for Watson — because of Watson’s legal situation or the price to acquire him –— the Dolphins owner could have simply rejected the idea. Ross instead tried to lead the acquisition.”

This is certainly an interesting twist in the story, and it makes it worth wondering how Ross feels about Watson today.

Watson remains at the center of a number of disturbing sexual assault and misconduct allegations. For that reason, many folks do not want to see him in a Dolphins uniform.

In the 2021 season, Tua Tagovailoa manned the quarterback position for Miami. He showed some encouraging signs of growth, but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get the Dolphins to the postseason.