JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 08, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
After months of denying interest and rejecting calls about star quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans finally shifted their stance on his availability. The Texans are now willing to listen to trade offers for Watson, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Watson, who reported to Texans’ training camp last week in order to avoid the CBA-mandated $50,000-a-day fine, has an incredibly high price tag.
The Texans have been asking for the moon in return for the 26-year-old playmaker, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. A package of high draft picks and players are the demanded price, and it makes sense as long as Watson’s legal situation plays out favorably for the former Clemson Tiger.
Notably, Watson is the subject of 22 civil suits that accuse him of coercive and lewd behavior. No criminal charges have been filed yet. The NFL has thus far opted against placing Watson on the commissioner’s exception list, which would essentially serve as an administrative suspension until the league decides Watson is again eligible to play. There are multiple directions this saga could go depending on investigations and the NFL can serve punishment regardless of what happens in court.
It’s clear the Texans want a haul in return for Watson even if he misses time in 2021. Locked into a new five-year, $156 million deal, Watson is considered a long-term asset. He’s one of the top-five quarterbacks in the league and will change a franchise upon his arrival.
We’re looking at six teams that would immediately jump to contender status if they can land Watson. Each franchise can offer a unique trade package and roster to entice both the Texans and for Watson to waive his no-trade clause.
Dolphins
Offer: QB Tua Tagovailoa, CB Xavien Howard, 2022 first-round pick (from 49ers) and 2023 first-round pick
Miami would vault from an up-and-coming team with a great defense to seeing their dreams as a contender come true. This trade would complete a massive overhaul under head coach Brian Flores. Moving Tua Tagovailoa, either to the Texans or being rerouted for Houston to collect more assets, for Watson removes any question marks about whether the Dolphins have what they need at quarterback to win big.
Watson would love Miami’s deep corps of receivers. DeVante Parker, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki, and reconnecting with Will Fuller would be the most dynamic and speed-oriented offense he’s been a part of throughout his career. Though Miami’s offensive line is still a project, Watson’s a master at overcoming issues along that unit. His ability to extend plays would immediately make Miami one of the scariest offenses in the NFL.
In return, Houston would get a quarterback they loved in the 2020 NFL Draft in Tagovailoa, a plethora of picks, and a superstar cornerback. Xavien Howard could immediately be the face of the defense or be peddled elsewhere for another draft pick. Houston’s rebuild would significantly benefit from taking Miami’s unique set of assets.
Giants
Offer: QB Daniel Jones, TE Evan Engram, 2022 first-round pick (from Bears), 2022 and 2023 first-round pick
Quietly, the Giants have assembled one of the stronger defenses in the league. Gambles on linebacker Blake Martinez and cornerback James Bradberry paid off handsomely as each had career 2020 seasons. Combined with a star-studded defensive line and high-end potential of edge rusher Azeez Ojulari and corner Adoree’ Jackson, this unit can be special.
The offense has similar highlights but one major concern: quarterback Daniel Jones. He’s been a turnover machine through two seasons with 29 fumbles and 22 interceptions. Imagine where this team would be if they could simply win the turnover battle.
That concern not only dissipates with Watson at the helm but becomes a strength for this explosive offense. Watson would have tremendous deep playmaking skill around him thanks to Kenny Golladay and Darius Slayton. He’d also benefit from Saquon Barkley’s return from an ACL tear.
The Giants would immediately become a second-tier NFC team with the potential to reach the Super Bowl.
Broncos
Offer: QB Drew Lock, CB Patrick Surtain II, WR Tim Patrick, 2022 and 2023 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick
The best roster in the league simply needs a quarterback to make it competitive. Denver’s current options of Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock might get them to the playoffs, but surely won’t get them far beyond the Wild Card round. Deshaun Watson makes them a Super Bowl contender.
Denver has excellent receiving talent and a solid offensive line to surround Watson. They also have a tenacious defense loaded with playmakers. Head coach Vic Fangio could entrust the playmaking quarterback to run his offense with Pat Shurmer and focus on the defense.
The return for Houston has considerable upside. Lock would be a flier to develop at quarterback along with Davis Mills in 2021. Patrick Surtain profiles as a lockdown cornerback on a rookie deal. Tim Patrick is incredibly underrated and starting-caliber, but also won’t break the bank to extend if they choose.
Eagles
Offer: QB Jalen Hurts, DT Milton Williams, 2022 first-round pick (conditional from Colts), 2022 and 2023 first-round picks
The team with the most rumored interest in Watson from across the league is the Eagles. Unsettled at quarterback currently, the Eagles can make a big splash with the impressive assets they received from the Colts for Carson Wentz. Going from Wentz and Jalen Hurts to Watson would fast-track their efforts to win the open NFC East, but it wouldn’t make them an instant Super Bowl contender.
Though the Eagles lack some of the allure of other teams on the list due to their young offensive playmaking corps, they have more flexibility than their competition. Watson’s $40 million salary won’t inhibit their future moves nearly as much. However, this is also because the Eagles lack proven great playmakers on offense and are relying on players under 24 years old.
The Texans can give Hurts a trial run in 2021 before deciding their plan at the position, and would have several strong picks to rebuild with. Watson would have more attractive landing spots than the Eagles, though, who also have a first-year head-coach on top of the unproven surrounding offensive cast. He may flex his no-trade clause if other options present themselves as better options to win in.
Panthers
Offer: QB Sam Darnold, WR Terrace Marshall, 2022 and 2023 first-round picks
Sure, Carolina may have just moved a second-round pick and fifth-round pick for Sam Darnold, but they shouldn’t hesitate to move him for Watson if given the chance. Darnold comes with numerous on-field issues that may or may not be improved, whereas Watson is a sure-thing to perform at a high-level. Flipping one for the other makes too much sense for Carolina.
The Panthers have an excellent surrounding cast to welcome Watson. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is an ascending star already, and Matt Rhule has a track record of success with a variety of passers throughout his career. Watson should be impressed with the coaching quality and the overall build of the roster.
Receivers DJ Moore and Robby Anderson complement running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end Ian Thomas on this young but well-suited offense. No team would boast the same athleticism of Carolina except Baltimore. They’d be a matchup nightmare on a weekly basis.
The return for Houston likely depends on the Texans’ opinion of Darnold. Getting multiple first-round picks, 2021 second-round pick Terrace Marshall, and a potential steal in Darnold can be an attractive package. Adding more picks may be necessary if the Texans simply view Darnold as a flier who will be replaced next year, though.
Washington Football Team
Offer: DT Jonathan Allen, 2022 and 2023 first-round picks, 2022 and 2023 second-round picks
Washington has the most to gain of any NFC team looking to improve its quarterback situation. Adding Watson to that roster would be similar to Tom Brady joining the 7-9 Buccaneers. Oddsmakers would immediately peg WFT among the NFL’s favorites to win the Super Bowl.
Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner has shown he can work with a variety of skill sets and create production. There’s not many schematic changes needed with Watson, though. Watson is an excellent deep passer, and his mobility makes him an ideal fit into a wide-zone offense that utilizes more play action and rollouts than what he saw in Houston. WFT can make Watson’s life easier, and his efficiency would give the offense a huge leap in performance.
Washington could stand to add to their offensive line to help protect Watson and promote a healthier running game. But Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Cam Sims, Kelvin Harmon, and Logan Thomas are part of a good young cast. It’s plenty of offense needed to win a Super Bowl with the top-three defense Washington already has.