Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly has some interest in a deal for the Denver Broncos or the San Francisco 49ers.
Appears Friday on ESPN Rise, ESPN NFL member Jeremy Fowler reported that Watson is “intrigued” by the Broncos and 49ers:
Fowler also said that he was informed that Watson “probably is not” very interested in being negotiated with the New York Jets and would be in favor of a move to the Miami Dolphins instead of New York.
Despite Watson’s desire to be traded, the Texans told interested teams that they are not changing their franchise quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Houston is under no obligation to negotiate Watson, as he is under contract until 2025, but the threat of resistance exists if Watson really insists on not taking another snap with the Texans.
Losing a quarterback in Watson’s franchise would be devastating. However, Texans could benefit from the amount of draft choices that Watson would likely give them, especially since they are not scheduled to choose until the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Between the Broncos and 49ers, Denver could probably offer Houston a slightly better package, as it has overall choice No. 9 in the 2021 draft compared to No. 12 in San Francisco.
The Broncos also have overall choice No. 40 in the second round and No. 71 in the third round. Niners are 44th in the second round and do not have a choice in the third round.
Denver recorded a losing record for four consecutive seasons and has not made it to the playoffs since 2015, but has some talent in the attack that Watson could use better than incumbent Drew Lock.
Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, KJ Hamler and Tim Patrick, as well as tight end Noah Fant, would benefit from Watson’s arrival.
The 49ers had just 6-10 last season and missed the playoffs, but they are probably much closer to the championship race than Denver.
San Francisco made it to the Super Bowl in 2019, but injuries to key players hampered the 2020 campaign. With the Niners, Watson would have the support of an extremely talented defender – as well as wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle to launch.
It is possible that Denver and San Francisco are Watson’s favorite destinations, but Texans would probably prefer to trade him with the Dolphins or Jets, if possible.
Miami has two choices in the first round and two choices in the second round in 2021, including No. 3 overall, while the Jets hold No. 2 overall and No. 34 in the overall choice in the second round.
An exchange with any of these teams would help Texans reload quickly, as they could accept their new franchise quarterback right away, but as Watson has a no-deal clause in his contract, Houston will be at your mercy if you reverse the course and try to change it.