After Deshaun Watson signed a four-year, $156 million extension in 2020, it looked like he was going to be a Houston Texan for life.
However, it’s been less than five months since then and now league sources say that Watson has demanded a trade.
The trade request aligns with the rumors that Watson as unhappy with the Texans’ hiring process when it came to finding their new head coach.
He also has a no-trade clause, so he can somewhat control his destiny.
Keep in mind that the Texans can refuse to trade Watson, keep him until his contract expires in 2025, and continue franchise tagging him for another three seasons.
Where will Deshaun Watson Play Next Season?
Odds via BetOnline as of Thursday, January 28
- New York Jets +200
- Miami Dolphins +400
- New Orleans Saints +800
- San Francisco 49ers +800
- Carolina Panthers +900
- New England Patriots +900
- Denver Broncos +1000
- Indianapolis Colts +1000
- Los Angeles Rams +1000
- Atlanta Falcons +1200
- Washington Football Team +1200
- Chicago Bears +1200
- Las Vegas Raiders +1400
- Dallas Cowboys +1400
- Detroit Lions +1600
- Philadelphia Eagles +2000
- Pittsburgh Steelers +2500
- More at BetOnline
New York Jets +200
When was the last time the Jets had a quarterback as good as Deshaun Watson?
The Jets make sense to land Watson because they have over $65 million in cap space, which means they can both afford him and be able to address more team needs. Secondly, the Jets have the draft capital to be able to trade for Watson with nine picks in the 2021 draft, include the second-overall pick.
Plus, it’s rumored that the Jets’ new head coach, Robert Saleh, is someone Watson wanted the Texans to bring in.
Miami Dolphins +400
The last time the Dolphins traded with the Texans, they sent Laremy Tunsil and got back a 2021 first-round draft pick that is no the third-overall pick in the draft. If the Texans opt to trade Watson to the Dolphins, they have a chance at not only getting that pick back but potentially acquiring Tua Tagovailoa.
After finishing 10-6 last season, Watson would help the Dolphins win now.
New Orleans Saints/San Francisco 49ers +800
Recently, the Saints have been rumored to be a possible landing spot for Aaron Rodgers with Drew Brees’ potential retirement.
Deshaun Watson is now added to the list of Brees-replacements. With access to offensive weapons like Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, plus the Saints’ top-tier defence, Watson could have success in New Orleans.
The 49ers, who’ve also been in the Rodgers rumors, could land Watson, too. Cutting Jimmy Garoppolo would save them $24 million and the 49ers recently played in the 2020 Super Bowl, so Watson could help them get back there.
Carolina Panthers/New England Patriots +900
The Panthers may not have the draft capital that other teams have to make a trade for Watson, however, Watson did play at Clemson University, which isn’t too far from North Carolina.
Watson would also have the opportunity of getting to play with Christian McCaffrey, which would automatically make them one of the scariest duos in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Patriots seem to be a rumored landing spot for every big-name quarterback since Tom Brady left.
They do have over $58 million in cap space and most quarterbacks would love to play under Bill Belichick. Plus, the Patriots have 10 draft picks this year, so the pieces are there to make a blockbuster trade.
