Houston Texans: Ranking the 3 likeliest Deshaun Watson trades
By Jacob Burns
Is a Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson split finally going to happen?
It certainly feels like something big is coming for Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans. After almost a year of investigations, quarterback Deshaun Watson has officially been cleared of any criminal charges. So what’s next for Houston and their star quarterback?
Short answer, a trade. Watson being on the move almost feels inevitable at this point. The relationship with the Houston Texans has all but run its course, and the Texans should capitalize on a quarterback-hungry market.
There is expected to be an abundance of interest in Watson, but which trade offer will be the best? Below, highlights three trades the Texans could have the most interest in, starting with a contender who just lost their leader.
Tampa Bay Refuses to Return to Mediocracy
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a roster built to win now. The only problem is they just lost their starting quarterback. After Tom Brady’s retirement, Tampa Bay is left searching for the answer at quarterback. Enter Deshaun Watson.
The 26-year-old star quarterback would have the Buccaneers right back to being Super Bowl contenders. Head coach Bruce Arians and company don’t have any interest in going back to life before Brady. Instead, they offer the Houston Texans three first-round picks, including the 27th selection in the 2022 NFL Draftt, along with second-year pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
It was reported in 2021 that Houston was looking for three-first round picks and more in any trade involving Deshaun Watson. While the Texans may ask for safety Antoine Winfield Jr. or linebacker Devin White, Tampa Bay may be reluctant (and for good reason), to give either of them up.
Tryon-Shoyinka isn’t just a toss in however. The rookie flashed potential last year, and would be a nice addition to the Texans’ defense. The thing holding this trade back though, is the positioning of the draft picks. The 27th selection won’t be the highest offer Houston receives, ultimately leading to this trade coming in at third on the list.
Now let’s move on to a team who could find themselves on the verge of back to back deals.