ESPN’s Bill Barnwell went through a series of commercial proposals, 17 to be more specific, involving Houston Texans, QB Deshaun Watson. Barnwell had some wild deals in this article that were fun. One involved an exchange of three teams in which the 49ers got Aaron Rodgers after sending No. 12, a choice of 22 in the first round, a choice of 22 in the second round and Jimmy Garoppolo (for the Patriots).
This was the 17th scenario and the most unlikely, as Green Bay plans to keep Rodgers for at least another season.
Here is Barnwell’s third scenario in which Watson ended up in the bay area:
49ers send: 12th overall choice in 2021, 2022 first and second round choices (for Texans), 2023 third round choice, S Tarvarius Moore, QB Jimmy Garoppolo (for Jets)
Jets send: QB Sam Darnold (for Texans), choice of 2022 fifth round (for 49ers)
Texans send: QB Deshaun Watson (for 49ers)
A lot is happening here, and getting Watson, but giving up just two choices in the first round to get a 25-year-old top 3 quarterback on a friendly contract would be a no-brainer for San Francisco.
Here’s what Barnwell had to say about trade:
The 49ers can credibly suggest that they are contenders for the Super Bowl if they add Watson, who would be moving into a friendly quarterback scheme with weapons in abundance. They may be in a position to add a passer to a rookie deal, but Watson would be a bet that they can outdo anyone in the offense. This would be a huge package, including four draft choices and two veterans, but general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan were not shy about paying the odds for the guys they want. If they want Watson, they won’t let a price tag get in the way.
Garoppolo is two years old and has about $ 50.4 million left in his business, and given his recent injury history, he has little commercial value other than an intermediate choice. He is not very useful for a Texan team under reconstruction, although Caserio & Co. certainly knows him from his time in New England. The Jets would seem like a curious choice, but Robert Saleh spent just three years with Garoppolo (and Moore) in San Francisco. Jets can buy cheap Garoppolo if they don’t like any of the quarterbacks in April’s draft class.
Before you point out that the 49ers made the Super Bowl with Garoppolo, understand that the Niners will not make another Super Bowl where Jimmy G will throw the ball eight times in the NFC championship game. This is living in a fantasy. If Jimmy comes back, he will have to make plays.
Watson looks like a dream, but I wouldn’t completely dismiss it. You have to imagine that the 49ers made an offer for Houston, as most teams did. I’ve seen “Twitter 49ers” question whether Watson is worth it or even an update on what’s currently on the list, and all I can do is laugh.
Watson and I cannot emphasize this enough, it is a significant update for 95% of NFL quarterbacks. There is Patrick Mahomes and Watson. For me, Watson is the second best defender in the NFL. When you have the opportunity to catch one of these guys, you can do it.
That would not be the team rolling the dice. The same is true of Matthew Stafford. When you know what you are getting, it becomes much easier to pull the trigger for trading. Four years of good Stafford defender play is worth choosing in the first round. Watson’s eight years are worth two choices in the first round.