NFL fans slap tampering allegation on Deshaun Watson after latest comment on DeAndre Hopkins

Deshaun Watson is just months removed from the suspension handed down by the NFL, but the quarterback's latest comments are inviting speculation of another punishment.

In statements made on The Q podcast via Mikey McNuggets on Twitter, the quarterback hinted that he might be in contact with former teammate DeAndre Hopkins.

In response, some fans got excited, others wrote off the possibility of a reunion, and others claimed that tampering was afoot. Here's a look at how fans reacted:

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Deshaun Watson's potential reunion with WR creates bizarre full-circle moment for Browns QB

Just three seasons ago, Hopkins and Deshaun Watson shared a roster in Texas. However, both players have taken journeys away from the state.

Hopkins was traded in what many 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 potentially the trajectory of Kyler Murray's career. In 2020, he scored over 1,400 yards and six touchdowns.

While his availability was suspect over the next two seasons, he played a part in getting the team to their first playoff appearance since the Carson Palmer era. Now, as the Cardinals undergo a renovation on offense, seemingly anything is on the table for the 30-year-old receiver.

Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson stuck around in Texas a bit longer before he felt it was his time to jump ship. Shortly after the 4-12 season that followed the wide receiver trade, the quarterback was pulled underwater by a sea of sexual misconduct allegations. Over the next 12 months, he spent much of his time fighting back the tide.

At the same time, Watson wanted to be traded from the Texans and thus stood by as the team trotted out Davis Mills. The following offseason, the quarterback managed to whittle down various lawsuits. Eventually, the league issued a suspension for the quarterback, resulting in him missing about half of the 2022 season.

When he returned, the Browns were on the edge of elimination from the playoffs and didn't see much of a boost from the quarterback's return. However, Browns fans are hoping that a fresh start for the team and the quarterback in 2023.