Texans superstar Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who just recently signed a 4-year $156 million contract extension, appears to be on his way out of Houston. On January 17th, Adam Schefter reported that “there is a growing belief in and around the Texans’ organization that Deshaun Watson has played his last snap for the team.”
Watson is coming off another fantastic individual season, throwing for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. Despite Watson’s excellent season, the Texans went 4-12, fired head coach Bill O’Brien mid-season, and are currently taking heat for Jack Easterby’s prominent and controversial role in the organization.
With the Houston roster in need of a complete overhaul, parting with Watson for a bundle of draft picks could be a good move for both parties. With plenty of quarterback-needy teams around the league, let’s take a look at the top landing spots for Watson.
1. Miami Dolphins
In my eyes, the Miami Dolphins are the front-runner for Deshaun Watson. The biggest reason I have Miami as the favorite to land Watson is the fact that this team is ready to win, they just need the right guy under center. I know this is quick to quit on Tua Tagovailoa but acquiring a sure thing like Deshaun Watson would instantly make the Dolphins a Super Bowl contender.
A trade package highlighted by Tagovailoa, the #3 overall pick in this year’s draft, and a flurry of other draft picks could be enough to get the deal done with Houston. The price for Watson will be high but it is certainly warranted.
2. New York Jets
While I still think Miami is the most likely spot for Watson, the Jets might have the most ammunition to pull off the blockbuster deal. The Jets own the #2 and #23 picks in this year’s draft. They also have two first-round selections in next year’s draft due to the deal that sent Jamal Adams to Seattle. Joe Douglas doesn’t seem like the type of GM to trade the future for one player but when you get a chance to land Deshaun Watson, you go after it.
Fans and Twitter users are speculating that star WR Allen Robinson could be a package deal with Watson, especially if he ends up in New York. The free-agent wideout has recently “liked” tweets regarding Watson getting traded to the Jets. If trading for Watson can get the Jets both a franchise QB and a star wide receiver, they should pull the trigger on this deal.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The thought of Kyle Shanahan and Deshaun Watson on the same offense is terrifying. With Jimmy Garoppolo not being able to stay on the field, will the Niners look to make a splash? They’d certainly be ready to contend if they decide to make a run at Watson. Nick Caserio, the new Texans GM, worked for the Patriots and was high on Garoppolo in the past.
A lot of where Watson ends up may come down to who Houston wants as their next quarterback. Do they like Darnold, Jimmy, or Tua? Or could they look to add Justin Fields or Zach Wilson at either #2 or #3 overall? Houston has a lot of decisions to make before the draft.