Deshaun Watson’s reported unhappiness with the Houston Texans adds another layer of intrigue to the situation of the 49ers quarterback entering the off-season. While no reports have emerged of Texans offering the 25-year-old quarterback in an exchange, nor has Watson made any public exchange demands, the conversation about his possible move has taken over the San Francisco off-season.
Legendary 49ers WR Jerry Rice on Monday joined ‘The Morning Roast’ at 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and talked about a possible chase by Watson for the 49ers.
“It all starts with the quarterback,” said Rice. “If the defender is unable to stay healthy, then we have problems. If Deshaun Watson, if he’s out there and unhappy in Houston, I think we have to take that into account. ”
When asked how much he would be willing to give up in a commercial setting, Rice – who played with a pair of San Francisco Hall of Fame quarterbacks – emphasized the importance of the position.
“The quarterback is the most important piece of the puzzle,” said Rice. “If you don’t have a quarterback, you won’t win. You will build your dynasty around that quarterback. So how much? I don’t know, but if we have the opportunity to bring a player with his quality, we have to look at that because the game is going in a totally different direction now too, guys. Quarterbacks are being more mobile, being able to get out of their pockets, extending their plays, still being able to deliver the ball on the field. You need a mobile quarterback now. So, I don’t know what is too much, but if we have the opportunity to get a player his size or something, we have to go ahead. “
It is difficult to argue against any of Rice’s points. The NFL is a league so focused on the defender now that finding the franchise’s signal caller is the number one priority for each team. The right player in that position can cover a number of defects that could appear if a minor talent was occupying him.
If Watson is available in an exchange, Rice is correct, San Francisco should be doing everything possible to try to get him to Santa Clara.