Deshaun Watson: Texans, Eagles and trade rumors

Training camp is getting even closer for the Houston Texans, and now the talk by NFL experts is there could eventually be a landing spot for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The team being rumored by ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter is the Philadelphia Eagles, and if that is the case, he is correct in saying the Eagles do have viable options to make a trade for Deshaun Watson if the Texans ever decide to trade him.

The value of Watson is high, and depending on how his off-the-field situation ends with the various lawsuits, that will have a big effect on just how valuable of a trade the Houston Texans can make involving the starting quarterback.

The Eagles are in the NFC East, and were last in their division last year with a 4-11-1 overall record, but this year that division is a little stronger as the Dallas Cowboys have Dak Prescott returning, plus the New York Giants and the Washington Football team added to their rosters as well, so the Eagles could really use a QB like Watson on their roster for instant improvement.

Here is what “Get Up” tweeted about Schefter’s comments on their program last week:

That is the million-dollar question about Deshaun Watson — not if he’s returning to the Houston Texans, but can he even play in the NFL in 2021 due to his off-the-field legal issues, especially being the nature that they are?

Eventually Deshaun Watson probably won’t be a member of the Texans organization, and that seems to be the general thought of the QB situation, as training camp is about to start and Tyrod Taylor seems to be the No. 1 option at the moment.

There is also Jeff Dreskel and rookie Davis Mills, so maybe the third-rounder from Stanford can work with offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, assistant coach Pep Hamilton and even head coach David Culley and be prepared for future seasons.

Deshaun Watson trade: What should the Texans expect for the quarterback?

For the purposes of this conversation, let’s say Deshaun Watson will be able to play in the NFL in 2021. That would bring the trade value up for the Houston Texans, which is what they need.

According to PhillyVoice.com, the Eagles have 10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including their own ’22 first-round choice and the first-round choice of the Miami Dolphins. The Texans in a trade must get both of those picks for Deshaun Watson, no questions asked.

The Eagles also have two second-round picks and picks in the final five rounds, including two in the fifth round. Also, their current starting quarterback is Jalen Hurts with Joe Flacco as the backup, so for a team that could be in contention in the NFC East, a quarterback like Watson would be a franchise-changing addition to their roster.

If a trade is able to be made, the Houston Texans should take full advantage of it. Remember, Watson wanted traded anyway before all of his legal issues happened, and if there is a way to gain draft picks from the Eagles for either ’22 and ’23 drafts, then this should be an easy decision for the Houston front office.

A lot will have to happen for the Texans to gain top value for Deshaun Watson, but it might be safe to say Deshaun Watson has played his last snaps for Houston. They have to get the most value possible in any trade they make, and like Schefter said, the Eagles could make a deal happen.