Deshaun Watson is starting to play on the pitch for the next franchise he wants to prepare for – and he already has some potential suitors lined up. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that Watson is “intrigued” by the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. Fowler also asked about the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins, as both teams have a lot of draft capital, but said Watson is not as interested in the Jets as the other three teams.
The 49ers have $ 13.4 million in available limit space (for Over The Cap) and have the 12th overall choice in the NFL’s 2021 Draft – as well as first round choices each year thereafter. The Broncos have $ 32 million in available space for coverage and are 9th overall in the 2021 draft. Denver also has a choice in the first round each year thereafter. The Broncos seem to have more influence when it comes to a potential deal with Watson.
This is not the first time Watson hinted in Denver last week. Broncos defender Kareem Jackson, who spent two seasons with Watson in Houston, said Watson is interested in playing for the Broncos. Denver has an abundance of wide receivers at Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, KJ Hamler, Tim Patrick and DaeSean Hamilton. The Broncos also have Melvin Gordon in the 2021 running back and Noah Fant in the tight end with an offensive line in improvement – so there are many reasons for Watson to be intrigued.
Watson would not have to carry the 49ers attack with the way Kyle Shanahan orchestrates the zone blocking scheme and prefers the race. It would be an instant upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo, as the 49ers can save even more space on the cap by exiting his contract this year ($ 23 million in bonuses).
The Jets have two first-round choices (No. 2, No. 23) and two third-round choices this year. They also have two first round choices in 2022. The Dolphins have two first round choices (No. 3, No. 18) and two second round choices this year, along with a first round choice next year and in 2023 .
Watson’s sweepstakes seem to be advancing, even though the Houston Texans insist on not trading him at this point.