The Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson trade saga continues. On January 7th, the Texans decided to hire New England Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio as their new general manager. Watson suggested the Texans interview a specific list of personnel for general manager, but the team never considered them. This continues the problems that Watson has for the organization. Although he has a no-trade clause in his $156 million contract, Watson is considering a hardball effort to demand a trade.
Watson is considering a trade to the Miami Dolphins, according to Chris Mortensen, for a package that includes quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a large selection of draft picks. The Dolphins have two first-round picks and two-second picks in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft that, along with Tagovailoa, could serve as assets in a potential trade. Houston needs a new start and picks while Miami needs elite talent. This could be a potential Deshaun Watson trade that would help both Houston and Miami.
Deshaun Watson Trade From Houston to Miami Helps Both Teams
What the Houston Texans Get in the Trade
Trading a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and the reigning league passing yards leader in Watson is something that you never want to do. Watson has been a player that has been patient with the Texans’ development towards a consistent AFC title contender. This past offseason, however, Houston went backward as head coach/general manager Bill O’Brien traded away star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and a second-round pick. Ever since that trade, the Texans have taken a hard decline in productivity. This season, Houston had the fourth-ranked passing offense in the league (283.6). Despite a highly productive passing offense, the Texans tied for 18th in the league in points per game (24) and 31st in rushing yards per game (91.6).
Houston needs as much as they can get with the trade of Watson to Miami for a large package. In return for trading Watson to Miami, Houston could receive two first-round and two second-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, along with Tagovailoa. He had a slow development at Miami largely due to the system of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. If Eric Bieniemy or another offensive-minded coach gets hired in Houston, his development accelerates tremendously. The Texans also need help at the offensive line where they allowed Watson to be sacked 49 times, second-most in the league. They will need serious help in the wide receiver and tight end position, which can address in the draft.
What the Miami Dolphins Get in the Trade
Miami is an interesting place to ask to be traded to because of their high-caliber talent on defense. This season, their defense ranks fifth in the league in points allowed per game (21.1). While their offense is not among the top-half teams in the league, they have more reliable players than Houston. Third-year tight end Mike Gesicki is a potential Pro-Bowl caliber player who needs a better offensive system. DeVante Parker is a high-caliber wide receiver who has been up-and-down this season. Both players have benefitted from the impact of Tagovailoa and 16-year veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Tagovailoa has the potential to be the best quarterback since Dan Marino. The Dolphins, however, may not pass up one of the most explosive and dynamic quarterbacks in the league.
Watson’s ability to consistently air the ball down the field makes him a tough quarterback to beat. While Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is more elusive in the RPO system, Watson is more dynamic. This season for Houston, Watson threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 221 first downs, and a QBR of 71 on 382 completions (out of 544 passing attempts). He also rushed for 444 yards, three touchdowns, and 31 first downs on 90 rushing attempts. His ability to lead an offense remains often unmatched by the opposing team in the regular season. He wants to go to a team where he feels wanted and trusted by the front office. His impact on the field with his potential new team will create a long and trustworthy relationship between the Dolphins and Watson.
