The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have made offers to the Houston Texans for starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Both the Saints and Panthers are expected to meet with Watson wanting to talk with interested teams before formally waiving his no-trade clause. Watson requested a trade from the Texans back in January 2021 and sat out the entire 2021 season.

A grand jury declined to indict Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment.

The grand jury’s decision came about a year after the women first filed their suits, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments. One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex.

Houston police began investigating Watson in April 2021 after a criminal complaint was filed. The FBI also was reviewing the allegations.

Editor’s Note: The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here.

Prosecutors presented evidence and testimony to the grand jury for over six hours on Friday related to nine criminal complaints against Watson, Johna Stallings, chief of the adult sex crimes and trafficking division with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said. She declined to say what possible charges were presented to the grand jury for consideration.

“We respect the grand jury’s decision,” Stallings said.

Stallings said that decision ended criminal proceedings related to Watson in Harris County, where Houston is located.

Watson’s lawyers have said “some sexual activity” happened during some of the massage appointments but that he never coerced anyone.

“We are delighted that the grand jury has looked at the matter thoroughly and reached the same conclusion we did. Deshaun Watson did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses,” Rusty Hardin, Watson’s lead attorney, said in a statement.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the 22 women, said the criminal case is separate from the civil cases and he will continue the process of questioning Watson as the lawsuits move toward trial. Earlier Friday, Buzbee questioned Watson during a deposition, the first the NFL star has given as part of the lawsuits.

“The civil cases will continue to gather steam. We take Mr. Watson’s deposition again Tuesday. Respect the process,” Buzbee said.

Eight of the women who sued Watson filed criminal complaints against him with Houston police and had been set to appear before the grand jury. Two other women who didn’t sue Watson also filed police complaints.

Watson’s lawyers have sought to balance their defense of the NFL star while simultaneously condemning sexual violence against women. They have called the lawsuits a “money grab” and claimed that all 22 women who sued are lying — a strategy some experts and advocates say relies on long-used tropes designed to minimize such accusations.

Buzbee has said some of his clients have faced criticism and even death threats.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is “closely monitoring all developments” and that matter “remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”

No trial date has been set for the lawsuits.

– With files from the Associated Press.