Philadelphia Eagles roster watch: It’s time to end Deshaun Watson rumors

Welcome to what feels like day 300 of the Philadelphia Eagles and Deshaun Watson watch. It’s funny how two statements that directly contradict one another can both be accurate. It wasn’t that long ago that we were discussing the possibility of a trade that would bring the controversial Houston Texans quarterback from the great state of Texas to the City of Brotherly Love.

Yes, that was a little over a month ago, not long ago at all in the grand scheme of things, but then again, and here’s the contradiction, when you think about it, there are days in which it feels like we’ve been talking about this for a year. Days pass. So do weeks, and now, those issues that Watson had with Houston feel like ancient history. Still, even with that being said, rumors of the Eagles’ interest still continue.

Now, he’s in a more important battle, and that’s made a ton of Birds fans wonder if pursuing him is worth the time and huge financial investment the Eagles would have to make. If it was just about natural God-given football ability, this would be a different conversation. Unfortunately, any possibility of adding Deshaun Watson to this Eagles roster can’t be discussed without addressing his legal issues.

The Philadelphia Eagles, are in no way, strangers to controversy.

The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t strangers to housing controversial players. Adding Michael Vick wasn’t a slam-dunk at the time. Neither was considering Colin Kaepernick or hanging onto Riley Cooper or DeSean Jackson after both made insensitive comments, but Philly weathered the storm.

This is different though. Philly, despite the fact that they haven’t had to deal with something like this (thankfully), has seen their name attached to too much bad press and too many rumor mills.

Some of the media and the fans are concerned about Watson’s charges (as they should be). Some of the fans and media are hesitant about what it would say about the Eagles organization if they ignore the sensitivity of the issue and place winning games at a higher premium. Some are just prayerful for both Watson and the women that have come forward.

Here’s what’s sad though. There’s no guarantee that adding Watson guarantees wins or deep playoff runs. It didn’t happen too often with the Texans, and if you haven’t noticed, those Texans teams were a lot better than what Philly will attempt to field in 2021.

Philadelphia also has a second-round talent in Jalen Hurts. He has a high ceiling. He’s also playing on a rookie deal. Perhaps, the Birds should just give him next season to see if they have something? It makes sense right?

The Philadelphia Eagles have to rethink a portion of their business model.

The Philadelphia Eagles are in need of some good press, and just in case you haven’t noticed, they aren’t going to get that by acquiring Deshaun Watson, at least not right now. From a business standpoint, it doesn’t make sense to make this move right now.

If we haven’t learned anything else from the Howie Roseman school of roster building, we should have learned this. The answer to Philly’s on-field issues won’t be found by giving up on draft picks, especially second-rounders like Jalen Hurts, after four games of seeing him in the starting quarterback role.

This team can’t keep signing expensive veterans in their place. The answer to Philly’s problems can only be found by coaching up the guys that they currently have. It needs to be Jalen Hurts’ time in the City of Brotherly Love.

Here are a few final thoughts if you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Michael Vick was different. He admitted to wrongdoing, served his time, made amends, and rehabilitated himself. He then returned to the NFL playing field and made the most of a second chance. We’re still at the beginning of what’s been a nightmare for a lot of people. The victims can’t be forgotten in this.

Again, no one knows what the truth is yet. This isn’t to play judge and jury or to pass judgment. Facts are still being introduced into this daily. None of the Inside The Iggles staff knows how this plays out, but we do know that this is a long way from being over.

Here’s a theory though, and you’re allowed to agree or disagree. This is a walk that Deshaun Watson must take on his own. It isn’t the responsibility of anyone associated with the Philadelphia Eagles to take this journey with them. They have to focus on football, and right now, Deshaun Watson can’t even do that, at least not completely.