5 teams that should monitor Deshaun Watson trade talks
If the Houston Texans actively shop Deshaun Watson, these five teams should stick close to the phone for a deal.
Before the legalities surrounding Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson are sorted out — he’s currently facing 22 civil suits for alleged sexual assault and another 10 criminal complaints to the Houston Police Department — it’s almost impossible to trade for him.
In the interim, though, these five teams should be closely monitoring Watson’s situation. Should he be cleared of any wrongdoing, they should be actively involved in a potential deal.
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5. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raider are essentially looking at a contract year for quarterback Derek Carr. Carr has been a good player over the years, making three Pro Bowls. However, he appears to have maxed out his value, and the Raiders haven’t won a playoff game with him at the helm. Watson would undeniably be an upgrade and give Las Vegas a real shot to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs.
4. Denver Broncos
Sticking in the AFC West, Denver has one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. While Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater battle this summer to be the starter, a good roster is getting ready to go to waste. The Broncos need to get significantly better under center, and obviously Watson would fit that bill and then some. He’s only also 25 years old, the same age as Patrick Mahomes.
3. New York Giants
New York has two first-round picks in 2022 after moving back with the Chicago Bears in this year’s first round. If Daniel Jones continues to turn the ball over at an alarming rate, New York could acquire Watson and immediately have the best quarterback in the division. Also, he’d be surrounded by stars such as receiver Kenny Golladay and running back Saquon Barkley.
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2. Philadelphia Eagles
Another NFC East team with at least a pair of first-round choices in ’22, and if Carson Wentz is good for the Indianapolis Colts, three first-rounders. Philadelphia could easily decide to go all-in on Watson this coming offseason — or even this summer, depending on the off-field situation — if the Eagles feel Jalen Hurts isn’t their future.
1. Miami Dolphins
Miami’s three first-round picks over the next two years, and could throw in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in a trade to Houston as well. The Dolphins are a contender with a top-flight quarterback, and Watson has certainly been that through his young NFL career. If any of these teams are motivated to make a move for Watson in the short and long term, it would be Miami.
