Top 3 destinations for Deshaun Watson
HOUSTON (BVM) — The offseason in the NFL is a time when fans contemplate who their favorite team is going to sign during free agency or how a sought-after draft prospect did at the NFL scouting combine. It is also a time when players can request trades to find a better situation to thrive in. One of the players doing that this year is Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Deshaun Watson officially has requested a trade from the Houston Texans, per league sources. He actually did it weeks ago. Their new head-coaching hire, David Culley, has not and will not alter Watson’s thinking.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2021
In September, Watson signed a four-year, $177.5 million contract. And rightfully so. He has been playing at an elite level for the past three seasons, passing for 104 touchdowns, completing 67.8% of his throws (highest completion percentage in NFL history min. 1,300 attempts), and having a passer rating of 104.5. He has deserved the money after his rookie season.
Just a reminder of Deshaun Watson's 2020 stats:
▫️4,823 passing yards (best in NFL)
▫️33 passing TD (t-7th most)
▫️8.9 yards per attempt (best)
▫️70.2% completion % (3rd best)
▫️444 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD
▫️8 games with 2+ TD, 0 INTHe's 25 and signed through 2025.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 8, 2021
But lately, the Texans’ organization has been a dumpster fire. Prior to the 2020 season, Houston traded away one of the best wide receivers in the sport, DeAndre Hopkins, for a 2020 second-round pick, a 2021 fourth-round pick, and David Johnson who rushed for only 57.6 yards per game this past season.
They then failed to give Watson an offensive line that could provide him substantial protection. The situation has reached a breaking point, and now Watson wants to move on.
The Texans asked Watson to be involved with their hiring processes for GM and HC only to completely disregard and not even consider those he endorsed.
Someone save this man. https://t.co/IlS26KvFvI
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 8, 2021
But it won’t be that easy for the Texans just to get rid of Watson. Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract. It gives him the right to choose whichever team he wants to join. Here are the top three teams he should consider.
3. New York Jets
The Jets are one team that remains interesting to watch as the race for Watson heats up. New head coach Robert Saleh has brought Mike LaFleur, brother of Green Bay Packer head coach Matt LaFleur, on board as offensive coordinator. From Mike Shanahan’s coaching tree, Mike would undoubtedly feature Watson’s skills as a dual-threat quarterback. And although the Jets are currently going through a rebuild, Saleh and Watson would quickly turn that team around.
2. Miami Dolphins
The second team that benefits Watson is the Dolphins. They have a great defense and their head coach is one of the best in the NFL. It also makes sense for Houston to make this trade since they could regain most of their draft capital they gave away in the Laremy Tunsil trade.
If he were to make his way to the Sunshine State, Watson would also have some reliable weapons in Devante Parker and Mike Gesicki. If he does join the Dolphins, it would mean that the Dolphins and Bills would compete for the top spot in the AFC East. Josh Allen vs. Deshaun Watson twice a year would be quite a matchup.
1. San Francisco 49ers
If Watson would somehow find his way to the Golden State, the 49ers would most likely be the team to beat in the NFC. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has yet to say if Jimmy Garoppolo will be the starting quarterback next season, and it’s becoming more difficult to believe Garoppolo will return. One reason being, Garoppolo can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s missed 24 games in the last three seasons.
When healthy, the 49ers have one of the best defenses in the league, and they have plenty of weapons for Watson. Those include George Kittle, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. They also have running backs Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert. It would be a perfect match for Watson.
Wherever Deshaun Watson ends up, he is sure to bring success to that franchise right away. Watson’s demand for a trade is only the beginning of a firework-filled offseason.
https://twitter.com/deshaunwatson/status/1352351267725705216
