Gary McCullough / Associated Press
Should the Houston Texans’ relationship with Deshaun Watson evolve to the point where an exchange is the only option, the Miami Dolphins may emerge as a possible suitor.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported on Sunday Watson “would consider “a move to the Dolphins, with Tua Tagovailoa possibly part of a hypothetical commercial package going to Houston:
Chris Mortensen @more report
Sources say Watson could play tough with the Texans over a negotiation. His new $ 156 million contract includes a no-trade clause, but informed speculation from a source is that he would consider @MiamiDolphins where Tua Tagovailoa and additional compensation go to Houston.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Watson was upset by the arrival of Nick Caserio. The three-time Pro Bowler had the impression that he would play an active role in the hiring process, but in the end he felt marginalized and was not informed about the change before reading about it on social media.
As much as Watson wants, the biggest obstacle is how another team can set up an exchange that comes close to equaling the value of an elite quarterback at the height and signed through 2025.
Dolphins may be in a position to make a competitive bid if they act before the 2021 draft.
Houston could get its choices back for the first and second rounds of this year, in addition to offsetting Miami’s own recruitment. Tagovailoa it would also serve as a defender of the future, while the Texans are moving in a new direction.
Still, it is far from a sure thing Tagovailoa it is good enough to be an organizational base.
The rookie pitched 1,814 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 appearances. His 6.3 yards per attempt were also tied for the fifth minus in the NFL.
Tagovailoa it should be better in 2021. He will benefit from the experience he gained in his first year and will have spent an entire season away from the hip injury that ended his college career. Still, the former Alabama star has a long way to go to reach Watson’s level.
Because of this, this is something that Dolphins should not think twice about if it becomes a genuine possibility. They would inevitably give up much of their long-term draft flexibility, but that’s a fair price to pay because a pass as good as Watson is rarely available.
Tagovailoa can become a defender of the franchise; Watson is already one.