There are no substantial reports that the Houston Texans intend to negotiate Deshaun Watson. Nor is there any substantial report that Watson has requested or will request an exchange. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Thursday Watson is not happy with the Texans after some off-season maneuvers and didn’t speak to the club in the last days. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the same.
Watson is an impactful enough player that any word of his possible move is something 49ers should be aware of.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed support for Jimmy Garoppolo and wants him to be the starter, unless a major update is at stake.
In the event that Watson enters the negotiation block, he immediately jumps to the top of a short list of potentially available defenders who represent this major update. He may actually be the only player on the list, depending on how the team feels about other veteran league quarterbacks.
San Francisco overtook Watson by choosing third place in the 2017 draft, opting to reinforce its defensive line with Solomon Thomas. A chance to also break up with Watson while he is still in his 20s would help to alleviate the ramifications of the significant swing and error that launched John Lynch’s management as general manager.
A barrier to a 49ers-Watson connection would be the cost of acquiring such a significant quarterback at its peak. There are not many teams that would not make a call about the Pro Bowler. It is not unthinkable that its price will involve three or more first round choices, several Day 2 choices and a quality ticket. It’s steep, but getting a franchise signal while he’s 25 would be well worth that price for a team like San Francisco, which is still looking for a long-term response at the center.
It is worth mentioning that Watson is not in the commercial bloc, but Rapoport’s reports represent the first signs of smoke. And 49ers should be on the lookout for a possible fire.