Get ready for a commercial giveaway unlike anything we’ve seen.
Deshaun Watson’s situation is not a typical NFL story. In fact, it’s more of an NBA thing: star player upset about his franchise forces him out. In a league of unsecured contracts and time-over-player attitudes, that just doesn’t happen. And this is especially true for big and young defenders.
Now, before attempting to separate the merits of exchanging an acquisition for a quarterback who is coming out of a 4-12 season, let’s just take a second to realize what kind of career Watson has been pursuing since joining the NFL in 2017.
Watson’s career passer rank of 104.5 ranks second in professional football history, behind Patrick Mahomes’ 108.7 mark. Yes, approval numbers are up. Yes, it is easier to be efficient in the air than ever. But starting a career as the second most efficient passer of all time is outrageous.
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In addition, it is improving. Watson is coming out of a season with more than 70% completion percentage (70.2), 8.9 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 112.4. The last quarterback to reach 70 percent, at least 8.9 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 110.0 or better, was Joe Montana in 1989.
So, which teams should offer the most help to rescue Watson from Houston? Here are five ideas.
Jets
What they could offer: Sam Darnold, 2021 No. 2 general choice, 2022 first round choice, 2022 first round choice (via Seattle)
Why it’s not crazy: the Jets are armed with 19 draft options over the next two years. There is enough in the closet to exchange three first ammunition for Watson and still have ammunition to rebuild properly. This franchise has been looking for a star quarterback since Joe Namath. One may be about to fall into their lap. Adding Robert Saleh and Deshaun Watson in an off-season would transform this franchise in an instant.
Giants
What they could offer: Daniel Jones, 2021 No. 11 general choice, 2022 choice of first round, 2022 choice of second round
Why it’s not crazy: Houston (and his next trainer) would need to evaluate Jones more than Darnold for this business to work. But the giants should be calling and trying. Jones continues to show some skill, but not enough to guarantee the franchise’s quarterback status. If you put Watson in the Giants, they will easily assume the status of favorite in the NFC East.
Eagles
What they could offer: Carson Wentz, 2021 No. 6 general choice, 2022 first round choice and Miles Sanders running back
Why it’s not crazy: at this point, Wentz is a sunk cost in Philadelphia. Perhaps the Texans will find some value in resuming a recovery project in the quarterback. At best, this would give them an intermediate franchise quarterback with an above-average playing history during the rebuild. At worst? They could cut Wentz in a year or two with minimal pain. Sanders would not be highly valued in a business like this for most teams, but Texans are not the majority of teams. Eagles need to make the call.
Dolphins
What they could offer: Tua Tagovailoa, 2021 general choice # 3, 2021 # 18 general choice, 2022 second round choice
Why it’s not crazy: Miami was almost a playoff team. Pay cap choices, players and flexibility are good. Having a great defender backed by one of the best defenses in the league is better. Texans may be intrigued by having a young, cost-effective defender and two immediate choices in the first round. If Houston valued Tagovailoa, this deal would be almost impossible to overcome.
49ers
What they could offer: Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Bosa, 2021 No. 12 general choice, 2022 third round choice
Why not crazy: Watson in Kyle Shanahan’s attack? Are you kidding me? Think about how great Aaron Rodgers was in Matt LaFleur’s attack on Green Bay, so subtract a decade, add more athletics and update the coach. That’s what we’re talking about here. Super Bowls (yes, plural) would start. Bosa’s inclusion here would arouse Houston’s interest, and with good reason. As JJ Watt’s time with the franchise soon ends, they can use a deal with Watson to get the next Watt.
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Joe Giglio can be reached at [email protected].