Watson in limbo as market evolves
Eagles trading Wentz to Colts is latest shakeup
The NFL quarterback carousel took another spin Thursday when the Philadelphia Eagles reached an agreement to trade Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite this movement on the heels of the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams exchanging Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson remains in a holding pattern along with other elite quarterbacks whose futures remain unresolved.
Because the Texans and Watson’s staring contest hasn’t stopped — the team resolute in its desire to hold onto him and Watson and his representatives steadfast in their request for a trade — the status quo defines the awkward situation.
That hasn’t stopped the constant conversation around the league surrounding Watson and other quarterbacks potentially available for the right price.
Shortly after Wentz was traded to the Colts and reunited with former Philadelphia offensive coordinator Frank Reich for a 2021 third-round draft and a conditional 2022 second-round pick that can become a firstround pick depending on playing time percentage and a postseason berth, some levity was provided on social media.
Watson’s longtime private quarterback coach, Quincy Avery, wrote: “What’s the criteria for a quarterback asking to get traded, then actually getting traded? Asking for a friend.”
The comment, which was intended as a joke, sparked a lot of commentary about what’s next in the Watson sweepstakes. Avery later reiterated he was just having a little fun.
Will Watson be headed to the Miami Dolphins? They’re a popular team on his personal wish list and have the draft capital to pull it off. A recent dinner for Watson while vacationing in Miami with former Clemson teammate and current Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins sparked a lot of buzz but little else.
Watson is open to waiving his no-trade clause in his $156 million contract extension signed in September. The Denver Broncos are a team he’s considering, especially after recruiting efforts from former Texans safety Kareem Jackson.
The San Francisco 49ers, who could move on from starting quarterback Jimmy Garroppolo and his $25.5 million price tag next season, are another contender.
The New York Jets are the team best positioned to trade for Watson considering they have four firstround draft picks in the next two years and roughly $70 million in salary-cap space. However, Watson is aware that the Texans would want so much in return that it could weaken their competitiveness.
The Carolina Panthers, led by owner David Tepper and coach Matt Rhule, covet Watson.
As for the Texans, nothing has changed since chairman Cal McNair drew a line in the stand about Watson again last Friday when he said in telephone interview: “Deshaun is a Texan, and he’s going to be a Texan.”
If the Texans remain dug in on not trading Watson, then he’s not expected to report and would incur hefty fines. That would include $95,877 for missing a mandatory minicamp, $50,000 per day for every day of training camp missed and $620,000 for each regular-season game missed.
Should the Texans trade Watson before June 1, they would have to deal with a $21.6 million salary-cap hit in 2021. Trading him on or after June 1 would cause a $5.4 million salary-cap hit in 2021 and $16.2 million in dead money in 2022.
The Texans have been firm in their desire to not trade Watson even though he isn’t returning telephone calls and text messages intended to sell them on their vision for a new leadership structure of general manager Nick Caserio and coach David Culley.
“Our quarterback is under contract,” a team source said. “He is going to be our quarterback.”
While Watson and the Texans’ impasse continues, the rest of the league could have heavy turnover.
Already, the Lions, Rams and Colts with last year’s starter Philip Rivers retired and replaced by Wentz, have changed starting quarterbacks.
The Las Vegas Raiders have rejected inquiries about Derek Carr, former Texans quarterback David Carr’s younger brother.
The Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson, who has voiced complaints about the offensive line and direction of the franchise, are in an uneasy alliance.
The Washington football team is expected to explore its options after ending last season with Taylor Heinicke stepping in for Alex Smith after the team cut Dwayne Haskins.
The New England Patriots are expected to evaluate college quarterbacks like Alabama’s Mac Jones after struggling last season with veteran Cam Newton. They would be an interesting landing spot for Watson, whom coach Bill Belichick has a ton of respect for.
The Panthers are expected to try to upgrade from Teddy Bridgewater whether it’s through the draft or a veteran.
The Jaguars are expected to draft Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick and possibly start him as a rookie.
The Chicago Bears didn’t make a formal offer for Wentz, but Mitchell Trubisky is expected to hit free agency. General manager Ryan Pace made the mistake of passing on Watson and drafting Trubisky second overall in 2017. Will he try to rectify his error and make a run at Watson? Would Watson even be interested? Unlikely, according a source with knowledge of the situation.
The New Orleans Saints are considered likely to go with either Tayson Hill or Jameis Winston as a replacement for a retiring Drew Brees.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still weighing whether to bring back 39-year-old starter Ben Roethlisberger at a reduced price from his $41.25 million salary-cap figure.
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to stick with longtime starter Matt Ryan. Cutting or trading him would incur a salary cap hit of over $40 million.
One quarterback who benefited from Wentz’s departure: Jalen Hurts.
Hurts’ likely ascent to the Eagles’ starting quarterback job after one season was effectively sealed Thursday.