Would the Houston Texans Really Trade Deshaun Watson?

The Houston Texans entered arguably the most important offseason in the franchise’s history, looking for both a coach and general manager to replace Bill O’Brien, who was fired early in the season.

Things … could be going better.

The Texans hired former Patriots executive Nick Caserio as their new general manager. That in itself isn’t all that controversial – Caserio obviously has experience helping build a successful franchise with the Patriots. But so did O’Brien.

O’Brien led the Texans to 100 wins in seven seasons and six playoff wins. He’s the most successful coach in franchise history, but he also alienated a lot of players during his tenure. This season, he traded away star DeAndre Hopkins for little return only to watch Hopkins help the Arizona Cardinals nearly make the playoffs in quarterback Kyler Murray’s second season while Houston’s offense struggled due to a lack of weapons for quarterback DeShaun Watson in the passing game.

Complicating matters, Watson was reportedly promised the organization would consult with its star while hiring their new coach and GM – not unheard of for star players of Watson’s caliber, particularly quarterbacks. Instead, the Texans hired Caserio without discussing candidates with Watson and don’t intend to interview the coach Watson wanted to see interviewed, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy. Watson reportedly isn’t frustrated with Caserio, but is with the franchise’s ownership.

Now, there are reported Watson is done with the franchise and prefers a trade, so Caserio’s first order of business is trying to repair the relationship with the young star. 

What exactly would Houston be losing if Watson forced his way out? For starters, a 25-year-old quarterback who completed 70 percent of his passes last season. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards with 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, while playing with a group of receivers that lacked a true go-top receiver without Hopkins. Hopkins caught 115 passes for Arizona this season. Houston’s top two receivers, Brandin Cooks and Will Fuller V, combined to catch 134. Hopkins’ 1,400 yards were also close to what Houston’s top two combined for.

Watson is also a major threat on the ground. He rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns. 

He’s made the Pro Bowl three straight seasons. Watson led the league in passing yards this season. He led the league in game-winning drives last season. He rarely turns the ball over and he’s also incredibly durable. Part of his long frustration is also likely related to Houston’s inability to protect him. Since he entered the league, he has been sacked 174 times in 54 games, including a league-high 62 times in 2018. Despite that, he’s only missed one game due to injury in the last three seasons. 

Adding to the frustration Watson has with personnel decisions the team has made over the years and their unwillingness to include him in the search process, the team also has a poor history related to social justice movements, including racist comments made by former owner Bob McNair, whose son, Cal McNair, is the current team owner. Watson has been an active voice speaking out against racism and police brutality since he entered the league.

It is highly unlikely Houston would trade a player of Watson’s age and caliber at the most difficult position to fill in the league unless they are forced to. If they did, no shortage of teams would put together trade packages for him – there were already reports the Miami Dolphins would be willing to part with this year’s No. 1 pick, Tua Tagovailoa. 

Watson is obviously the biggest name floated so far, but there are several big-name quarterbacks who could be on new teams next season. Here are a few others:

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Depending on who the team hires as its new GM and coach, the Lions appear headed for another rebuild. Stafford is the best quarterback in franchise history, but he’s 32 and has a massive salary, so he likely wouldn’t figure into a new regime’s plans. If he’s on the market, several contending quarterback-needy teams could have interest. Stafford threw for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in an offense devoid of weapons with Kenny Golladay injured much of the season. He’d be a great fit on virtually any team who needs him.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: Prescott is a free agent, and it remains to be seen how much his season-ending injury will hurt his market value. It’s also possible he could take a short contract in Dallas or somewhere else to show he’s still among the league’s best quarterbacks and try and cash in on a bigger deal the following offseason.

Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles: Wentz didn’t react well to being benched in favor of rookie Jalen Hurts during the season, and reportedly wants out of Philadelphia. The Eagles might be ready to move on as well. Wentz is talented, but has a significant injury history. He’ll definitely get another chance to start somewhere, though.

There could be quarterback openings on several good teams – Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington, for starters. And depending on what Philip Rivers, Drew Brees, and Ben Roethlisberger do (all three have reportedly considered retirement), that could make even more attractive destinations and teams ready to contend with openings.