EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans looks on during a timeout in the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)Will Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson hit the trade market?
That’s the latest rumor. Pro Football Talk reported on Thursday morning that there is “growing buzz” that Watson will request a trade out of Houston.
The Texans are coming off a highly disappointing 2020 season. Houston went 4-12 this season after reaching the postseason in 2019.
Houston is currently looking for a new head coach. Watson posted a cryptic tweet earlier this week, leading to some speculation about his thoughts on the process.
Now, Pro Football Talk is reporting that there is growing speculation about a potential trade request.
Rumors already are circulating, and we’ve already heard them from multiple different people, that Watson has quietly broached with teammates the possibility of requesting a trade. If that’s happening, it may just be a strategic effort to ensure his views are respected by ownership. Regardless, it raises the stakes and crosses a bridge and potentially sets the foundation for Watson eventually to decide that he’d like to continue his career elsewhere.
Pro Football Talk named several teams that could be interested in a possible blockbuster deal for Watson.
“The Patriots, Steelers, Colts, Raiders, Broncos, Washington, Eagles, Bears, Lions, Saints, Panthers, Falcons, Buccaneers (if Tom Brady is one and done), and 49ers are the most obvious,” he reports.
One thing is clear with a potential Deshaun Watson trade: It would take a lot to land him.
Legitimately would be looking at like three firsts, multiple seconds and at least one good starter. It would be unprecedented https://t.co/0qmVyWrdnL
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 7, 2021
Most people expect Watson to stick with Houston, but it’s not a great sign to have trade rumors swirling about your franchise quarterback.
Still, some are joking that the Texans’ new general manager, who came from New England, could ship Watson back to the Patriots.
Bill Belichick: Doesn’t let Nick Caserio go to Houston
*Lets Deshaun Watson realize the Texans are an incompetent organization*
2021 Bill: Lets Nick Caserio become Texans GM so he can trade him Deshaun Watson
The devil works hard but Bill Belichick (& Kris Jenner) works harder pic.twitter.com/RLeXdBdKkg
— Nick Quaglia (@NickQuag) January 7, 2021
Jokes aside, it seems highly unlikely that Watson gets traded. Even if the Houston quarterback wants out, the Texans would be better off holding onto him and building around him.
