In what is expected to be the most hectic off-season period in terms of quarterback movement in NFL history, Texas quarterback Deshaun Watson remains the crown jewel of the frenzy, despite Houston’s reluctance to negotiate his 25-year-old star.
Since Watson’s request to leave Houston was made public in January, many thought the Washington Football Team was in the mix. Ron Rivera’s club was a big contender in Matt Stafford’s draw and seems committed to improving the position of defender in this off-season, although the head coach says it was not as urgent as it looked.
While it’s hard to imagine Washington negotiating for Watson – NBC Sports analyst Peter King doesn’t think an offer from the package led by Chase Young could lead to QB – ESPN’s Marcus Spears thinks the club should make a move for the Pro signal Bowl- caller.
“I would definitely make a move on Deshaun Watson,” said Spears on NFL Live on Wednesday.
If Washington acquired Watson, Spears believes that Burgundy and Gold would have closed the gap between them and some of the best teams in the NFL.
“If they get Deshaun Watson, they will close that gap tremendously, in the sense of being able to face many teams in this league,” said Spears.
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However, the ESPN analyst and former Dallas Cowboy was quick to note that negotiating with Watson is not “an indictment” to current Washington QB Alex Smith, just taking advantage of the rare opportunity for a franchise quarterback to become available.
“We all know that Alex Smith, without prejudice to any injuries, would be one of the best defenders in the league based on his appearance,” said Spears. “It is difficult to predict in the future that Alex Smith will be the answer based on his injury and the things he has suffered.”
Spears also said that if Smith wants to continue playing football, “Washington must be in line to give him that opportunity.”
Washington currently has quarterbacks Smith and Taylor Heinicke under contract in 2021. However, it does not appear that Smith will return to the club this fall (and his recent comments to GQ have made that clear), especially considering his $ 24 million limit is right. Kyle Allen is an exclusive rights-free agent and there is a good chance he will return to Washington as well.
Washington won NFC East in 2020. But winning the division in 2021 will almost certainly require a better quarterback game, something Washington would decide to switch to Watson.
“I’m exchanging healthy defenders for Deshaun Watson. I’m exchanging guys who played well in certain places for Deshaun Watson,” said Spears. “So I’m definitely going to put his name on the hat of a young football team that I don’t think is far from being very good.”