The Houston Texans have maintained a public facade that Deshaun Watson is not going anywhere.
Privately, they are preparing for the seemingly inevitable, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. The Texan screenwriter reported on Sunday that the team has an idea of the return they would seek in a Watson deal.
It is, as expected, a heavy question. According to McClain, the team would want a deal with Watson: two choices in the first round of the draft, two selections in the second round and two young defensive beginners. And that would be a starting point.
The Rams-Lions trade will have nothing to do with a Watson trade if Texans do. They will want 2 units, 2 doubles and 2 young defensive beginners at a minimum. Watson, 25, hired, great QB, team leader, beloved by the fans, a pillar of the community. Start with the Jets.
– John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 31, 2021
Is Watson worth it?
While it is a major acquisition, it is also reasonable, considering that the hypothetical Houston trading partner would receive a 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback. QBs at Watson’s level at this point in their careers simply do not become available. This is proof of Houston’s dysfunctional reception.
A historic commercial acquisition would appropriately require a large package in return.
Who can pay the price?
So, who would pay that price? This is not very clear.
Consider the New York Jets as the top contenders. Watson – who has a no-trade clause in his contract – supposedly prefers the New York Jets as a destination about the Miami Dolphins – or any other team. According to the Miami Herald, Watson likes the idea of playing for new coach Robert Saleh, who Texans allegedly did not consider in their search for a coach.
The Jets hold second choice in the April draft, which would likely come with the option of selecting a quarterback like Ohio State’s Justin Fields or BYU’s Zach Wilson.
Any NFL team that doesn’t line up Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen every Sunday should at least kick the tires in a negotiation.
A winning team that needs a quarterback upgrade like the San Francisco 49ers would also be an intriguing business partner. Would they have to give up Nick Bosa in return? It seems likely.
Whatever happens to trade negotiations, Texans must meet without lack of suitors. When and if a trade goes down, it will be a blockbuster.
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