COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (March 28, 2018) – Colorado Rapids have traded Jared Watts to Houston Dynamo in exchange for $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, the club announced today. This Jared Watts trade gives Houston some depth as well.
Colorado Rapids Jared Watts Trade Brings Cap Flexibility
Watts was selected 33rd overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Colorado. The North Carolina native has spent his entire career with the club. He made 71 appearances in league play in five seasons in Commerce City. He recorded one goal and three assists with the club.
“We want to thank Jared for his contributions to our club over the past four seasons,” said Rapids Executive Vice President and General Manager Pádraig Smith. “He is a genuine, committed professional, and we wish him the best of luck as he begins this next chapter of his career.”
The midfielder/forward was a versatile player for the Rapids but had not made a competitive appearance in 2018. It looked like Head Coach Anthony Hudson was going to use him as a bench utility player at best. This made him a movable asset.
For the Rapids, this gives them some flexibility. They’ve spent a lot of TAM the last several months. This trade gives them some more to play with and gets Watts off their books. In 2017, he had a guaranteed compensation of $75,000. That’s an extra $175,000 combined the Rapids are making available in this move. That’s not bad.
“Jared is a steady and reliable player who is entering the prime of his career at 26 years old. He provides flexibility to our roster with his ability to play as both a center back and holding midfielder,” said Dynamo Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan. “He brings an outstanding mentality both on the field and in the locker room every day, which is important for our club, and we are looking forward to integrating him into our group.”
On the other side, Houston get a serviceable MLS player who can play several different positions. Watts played as both a center back and central midfielder for Colorado. At worst, he’s an inexpensive back up to Eric Alexander and a center back who can play when the Dynamo have a three games in eight days stretch.
TRANSACTION
The Houston Dynamo acquire DF Jared Watts from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $100,000 of Targeted Allocation Money.
Name: Jared Watts
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 155
Age: 26 (02/03/1992)
Birthplace: Statesville, NC
Hometown: Statesville, NC
Last Club: Colorado Rapids
