By Jordan Long
The Houston Texans are searching for a new general manager and a Head Coach. This is after they fired Bill O’Brian 4 games into this season. O’Brien served both roles. One player who is unhappy with the situation is quarterback Deshaun Watson. He is reportedly not answering phone calls made by Texan’s owner Cal McNair. It is possible he is trying to force his way out but hasn’t made a trade request.
The speculation is Watson might seek a trade from the Texans. He has a no-trade clause in his contract and can dictate where he would want to land. Teams who have been rumored to be landing spots if this happens are the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins.
The Broncos are the team on this list that makes the least sense. They don’t have a general manager and are interviewing for their vacancy. The Broncos already have a quarterback in Drew Lock. Lock’s numbers aren’t the best. His record is 8-10 as a starter, passing for 3,953 yards, 23 touchdowns but has thrown 18 interceptions. The hope is Lock will continue to improve at the NFL level. The Broncos are a young offense.
Watson might make the Broncos better, but they may not be a playoff team with Watson yet. It would cost a lot for him to land in Denver, possibly involving at least their 1st round draft pick this year and next year, plus 2nd round draft picks, a lot for Denver to give up. Denver is not an ideal landing spot.
The New England Patriots make a lot of sense. Their quarterback this year, Cam Newton, is going to be a free agent. Head Coach Bill Belichick is also the General Manager. It might be he sees Watson gives them the best chance to win for not only next year, but for seasons to come.
The only hold up in a deal is Watson’s cap hit after next year. He is going to cost $40 million in 2022 and $42.4 million in 2023, a lot for the Patriots to take on. Historically, the Patriots don’t like to spend a lot for players. They usually end up asking players to cut their salary and to earn more, they add incentives. Most likely Watson won’t be acquired by the Patriots.
The San Francisco 49ers could make sense. They have a quarterback In Jimmy Garoppolo. His cap hit is $26.205 million next year. The 49ers could take on Watson’s cap space and send Garoppolo to Houston. It might improve San Francisco’s quarterback play.
The place that makes the most sense as a landing spot is the Miami Dolphins. They have a quarterback they could swap in Tua Tagovailoa who may be a star in this league. The Dolphins also have the #3 pick that might be included in the deal. The Texans would be able to select whoever they wanted at #3. That would be a fairly equal deal for both teams.
In the end this is all speculation. Watson needs to ask for a trade first. Once that happens, the Texans will do what is best for them, but a landing spot outside the AFC South division makes the most sense. Then they wouldn’t have to face him twice a year. Whoever the next Head Coach and General Manager is for the Texans will have to try to convince Watson to stay. The NFL offseason will determine Watson’s future in the NFL.
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