Watson doesn’t make sense for Dolphins right now
Five months ago I would have advocated that the Miami Dolphins give the Houston Texans whatever they wanted for Deshaun Watson.
Three first-round picks for an elite quarterback who led the NFL in passer rating last season? No problem.
Four first-round picks for a 25-year-old under contract for the next five seasons? You’re pushing it, but fine.
Xavien Howard, the Dolphins’ best player? I’ll probably thrown him in too after a little haggling.
Whatever the price was I would have pushed for Dolphins general manager Chris Grier to pay up to get Watson, who is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, a top-five talent at his position, and a top-25 talent in the league. That was then — this is now. Another NFL rumor has linked the Dolphins to Watson. But with the first Sunday of the regular season two weeks away, I’m not sure anyone could convince me that trading for Watson is a wise idea. Not unless the Texans are suddenly giving him away after spending months saying they wouldn’t trade him.
And more importantly, it would have to become undeniable that Watson is innocent of all the sexual assault allegations made against him.
I’m a big believer in innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. Not the court of public opinion, or NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall’s need to get ahead of a public relations scandal.
I’ve always encouraged everyone to let the legal process take its course when an athlete gets in trouble, and Watson deserves the same reminder.
Maybe once the legal process runs its course my interest in the former Clemson standout will grow again.
But at this time — for this season, at this moment — I’d rather ride the Tua Tagovailoa train and see where it takes the Dolphins in 2021.
Tagovailoa was impressive during training camp and the preseason. His accuracy, anticipation, pocket presence, and leadership indicates that he’ll become a good quarterback in time if he can stay healthy.
While I believe in Tagovailoa’s ability and believe he has potential to continue improving, I wouldn’t wager anything of substance on the Dolphins’ 2020 first-round pick reaching Watson’s level over the next two years, becoming one of the NFL’s elites.
Tagovailoa needs time to grow and develop, and this season — where he’s had his playmakers upgraded and his offensive line has gained experience — will provide that opportunity. We need to see how it plays out before pivoting in another direction.
We need to learn if Tagovailoa could potentially get Miami to its final destination, which is owner Steve Ross holding up the Lombardi Trophy after his team wins the Super Bowl.
I’d be lying if I said Watson couldn’t get the Dolphins there faster than Tagovailoa and Miami holding onto the bounty of draft picks it would likely require to trade for Watson.
Draft picks are important commodities in the NFL, especially if used correctly. But it’s the caliber of a team’s quarterback that gives them a real chance to make it the final dance.
Watson and Tagovailoa aren’t in the same league right now when it comes to being a proven talent and playmaker.
The problem is we don’t know enough about Watson — who was seen as a model citizen before the 22 civil cases alleging sexual assault surfaced.
Maybe Watson clears his name and eventually resumes his NFL career. Then he would be fine wherever he lands.
I’m certain the Dolphins, who play their Sept. 12 season-opener against the New England Patriots on the road, will be just fine without him with Tagovailoa as their quarterback for the foreseeable future.