Is Deshaun Watson Really Going to Leave the Texans?
Probably the most talked-about story in the NFL this week is the debate surrounding Deshaun Watson's future. While off on holiday he has been posting on his social media accounts and it looks like he now wants out of Houston.
Apparently, he was asked for his opinions on certain matters regarding the next general manager and doesn’t seem impressed at another attempt from the Texans to implement the “Patriot Way” as they have hired Nick Caserio who has spent 20 years in New England.
The Texans will now have to scramble to sort this mess out and get Watson back on board, which seems like a very tough task as he may have his mind made up.
A tough task that won’t be helped by former players coming out to back Watson. Former Texans receiver Andre Johnson got in on the act by backing Watson, saying that “The Texans organization is known for wasting players careers.”
Watson won a national championship with Clemson in 2016 and was selected at number 12 in the draft that year. Since being in the NFL, Watson has passed for 14,539 yards, has a completion percentage of 67.8% while also rushing for 1,677 yards and 17 rushing TDs.
Last season Watson was incredible, leading the league in passing yards with 4,082, as the Texans finished with a 4-12 record.
All this despite the fact the Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins last offseason. We could all have predicted that Watson wouldn’t be happy losing his superstar receiver. So the pressure really was on for the team to start strong and do something this season to prove it was a worthy trade. Instead, they went the opposite way by starting 1-6 and firing Bill O'Brien.
There is talk that Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract but it is actually more that he has to accept the trade, which he no doubt will if it is the right fit.
The Texans’ best hope here seems to be to get the right coach in ASAP that can talk to Watson and win him over again.
Numerous names are being mentioned such as Jim Caldwell and Lesley Frazier but whoever gets the job will be putting a meeting together with Watson at the top of their agenda.
If it does continue though and he really wants to go then about 75% of the NFL will be tripping over themselves to get Watson.
Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are pretty much the only teams set at the quarterback position over the next few years.
There could be an argument made that teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns are set for the long term at quarterback but looking at it right now, all those teams would improve with Watson under center.
The question then is who is going to bring the most value?
The likes of the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets trading for the superstar quarterback who is ready to go instead of waiting on a young QB to mature in the hope that he fulfills his potential because, let’s remember, nothing is ever guaranteed that these high draft picks turn out to be the players we expect.
This could allow the Texans to move on from Watson while still selecting Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields which would at least give the team and fans hope that something big could happen in the next few seasons.
Of course, this doesn’t really improve Watson’s chances of winning a Superbowl anytime soon so is it really worth it for him to trade to any of these teams?
And can any of the teams around the middle of the draft offer enough to tempt the Texans into taking a deal?
Watson would be hoping for teams like the Dolphins, Washington Football Team, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears or the San Francisco 49ers to push for a deal.
Any of these teams would allow him to go straight in and be confident of a playoff run. With the 49er’s injuries this year, adding Watson to the mix would put them up there as one of the favorites for next season.
New England would also be a great spot but seeing as the “Patriot Way” is what has caused this problem in the first place and Bill Belichick's history of not giving too much for one player, then New England is highly unlikely.
With Miami, the rumors of a Deshaun Watson for Tua Tagovailoa trade have been heating up like crazy. This is one team that Watson is rumored to be willing to waive his no-trade clause for. It would also likely take the Dolphins including both of their first-round picks in this upcoming draft, including the 3rd overall pick which, ironically, originally belonged to the Texans.
No matter where he goes, it will take a monster deal from a team that is set on selling out to win now.
The likelihood of the Texans allowing him to leave under any circumstances is highly doubtful but they will have their hands full for the next few weeks sorting this out.