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Deshaun Watson's legal issues, no-trade clause uncertainty caused Panthers to back off trade pursuit, sources say

The Carolina Panthers had no further interest in trading for Deshaun Watson due to lack of clarity with his legal situation and Watson's plans with his no-trade clause, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Watson is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior and has not played a down for the Texans this season. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, which he's willing to waive for the Dolphins.

The Panthers, who explored a potential Watson deal dating back to the offseason, got indications that Watson would be interested in playing for them but hadn't received that commitment in writing -- a customary step for a no-trade clause -- as of this week.