It’s official. Deshaun Watson has finally requested a trade from the Texans. This has reportedly resulted in offers from no fewer than 16 teams. It is still unclear what it would take to get Watson but it is likely to be the biggest trade in recent memory. Players like Jalen Ramsay and Jamal Adams have both gone for multiple first rounders and you would expect Watson to cost even more. With that in mind, here are the top five landing spots for Watson for the 2021 season.
5. Washington Football Team
Why it works: Washington proved this season that they have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Their problem was some terrible quarterback play. They still made the playoffs though and they have the potential to dominate a weak NFC East in the years to come. They also have the cap room to accommodate Watson, with a projected $35m in 2021. Pairing him with Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson would certainly be exciting.
Why it doesn’t: By far the biggest obstacle for Washington is trade assets. They pick at No. 19 in this year’s draft and can’t rival any of the other teams on this list when it comes to draft capital. They also don’t have any obvious trade candidates on their roster and won’t want to give up big names like Chase Young. They would probably have to give up at least their next three first rounders, and I’m still not sure that gets the deal done.
4. Detroit Lions
Why it works: This might be the best move from Houston’s perspective, as the Lions can offer what few other teams can – a proven NFL quarterback who is still in his prime. Matthew Stafford and the No. 7 overall pick might not be enough, but it could come close. If they can re-sign Kenny Golladay they can also offer Watson the chance to play with a Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Why it doesn’t: The Lions are entering rebuild mode and are some way from being competitors. Watson would face many of the same problems in Detroit as he did in Houston. The Lions have a terrible defense and need much more than just a new quarterback in order to compete for the NFC North. I can see how this works for the two teams, but it feels like a sideways step for Watson.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Why it works: A move to San Francisco would give Watson the opportunity to immediately compete for a Super Bowl. The 49ers are easily the most complete roster on this list, and have the weapons on offense for Watson to succeed. They could also offer Jimmy Garoppolo as a makeweight, along with a haul of picks. The chance to play under a coach like Kyle Shanahan is also sure to be a major factor in the 49ers’ favour.
Why it doesn’t: The 49ers are an attractive destination for Watson, but it isn’t clear if they have the cap flexibility to make the move. They are projected to have just $10.9m in cap room next season and they are already set to lose most of their starting secondary. They might be Watson’s preference, but the 49ers will also struggle to compete with Detroit, New York, and Miami in terms of draft capital that they can offer.
2. New York Jets
Why it works: The Lions and 49ers can offer veteran starting quarterbacks, but the Jets can offer the Texans their pick of the bunch in the draft. The Jags will take Trevor Lawrence at No. 1, but this trade would give Houston the freedom to select Zach Wilson or Justin Fields, depending on their preference. They can also offer the Seahawks’ picks for 2021 and 2022, acquired in the Jamal Adams trade. With $65m in cap space, they have means to build around Watson.
Why it doesn’t: There are two main questions surrounding this move. The first will be whether or not Watson wants to move to a team that haven’t made the playoffs in a decade. The second is whether the Jets are willing to part with the necessary draft capital. This is a roster in dire need of investment at almost every level and they may feel their picks are better spent building around a rookie.
1. Miami Dolphins
Why it works: Miami match and exceed the Jets in terms of what they can offer in a trade. Not only can they offer two first rounders in 2021, but they can give them Tua Tagovailoa. Whilst his rookie season wasn’t spectacular, Tua is only a year removed from being one of the most promising players in the draft. The Dolphins have the cap space to afford him too, with an estimated $23m in 2021. Watson would also be joining a team with genuine playoff potential.
Why it doesn’t: This move all depends on how Brian Flores and Miami feel about Tua. If they are ready to move on, there really aren’t a tonne of negatives to the Watson trade. The one concern for Watson is whether or not he will have enough around him on offense. Right now a move to Miami would be a downgrade in terms of offensive personnel and they lack top end talent at receiver and on their offensive line. That said, the future certainly looks bright in Miami.
