Deshaun Watson update: Either Falcons or Saints?
The market for Deshaun Watson is reportedly going coming down to the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Which is a better spot?
It’s going to be one of two hated rivals. Either Deshaun Watson will reportedly request a trade to the New Orleans Saints or Atlanta Falcons.
Watson, 26, is forcing his way out of the Houston Texans after he was benched throughout the entire 2021 season as his legal situation played out. Last Friday, Watson faced a Texas grand jury and was cleared of nine criminal complaints in relation to sexual assault allegations. However, Watson is still facing 22 civil suits from almost two-dozen women, who are alleging sexual misconduct on the part of the Pro Bowl quarterback.
Despite this, Watson is a considerable football talent and he’s drawing ample interest. While the Falcons and Saints are the finalists for his services, the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers also met with him. Cleveland has reportedly been told it is no longer in the running, as were the Panthers.
So which situation is better?
Atlanta’s argument starts with having a young, elite talent at tight end in Kyle Pitts. Additionally, the Falcons are Watson’s hometown team and has a fan base which is dying for a talent such as Watson after years of mediocre football. Furthermore, Atlanta has a very patient, competent owner in Arthur Blank who is likely to give the current front office and coaching staff time to figure things out while the roster improves.
Speaking of the coaching staff, head coach Arthur Smith is an offensive mind who can utilize Watson to the best of his abilities. We saw him do this with a much-lesser talent while with the Tennessee Titans and Ryan Tannehill.
As for the Saints, the roster is superior to Atlanta’s. New Orleans has a couple of stars in running back Alvin Kamara and receiver Michael Thomas, along with a quality offensive line that could be improved should left tackle Terron Armstead return in free agency.
Furthermore, the Saints went 9-8 last year without having a quality quarterback, instead being forced to play Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian and Ian Book for a majority of the contests once Jameis Winston tore his ACL in October. With Winston, this could very well be a 10-win team, factoring in a solid defense and phenomenal home-field advantage.
Who lands Watson? We’ll soon find out, with two rivals vying against each other.
