Could Dolphins be in play to land star QB?
Houston’s star signalcaller would consider trade, according to ESPN
If the Miami Dolphins are truly in the market for a new quarterback, one of the best in the NFL could become available.
Houston Texans franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson would consider a potential trade to the Dolphins, according to a report on Sunday by ESPN.
Watson, who just finished his fourth NFL season, has become uneasy with the Texans’ recent decisions on general managerial hires and interviews for the team’s next head coach.
The Texans reportedly did not interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for their coaching job, although Watson advocated for him. The team also hired former New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio for their new general manager job.
Watson offered input for both Texans positions, but did not believe his endorsements were considered.
The Texans are still searching for a new head coach.
So, enter the Dolphins, who have Brian Flores and Chris Grier as the only black coach and general manager tandem in the NFL, a young quarterback who can develop and ample draft compensation they could provide Houston in a potential trade for Watson.
Although Grier said last week that rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would be the Dolphins’ starting quarterback in 2021, the Dolphins would likely have to part with their No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL draft after one season in a deal for Watson.
The Dolphins also own two draft picks in each of the first and second rounds of the 2021 NFL draft, which could also factor into the compensation.
Watson has some leverage in the matter: His four-year, $156 million deal has a no-trade clause so he could dictate where he wants to play if he does force a trade.
Flores needs to hire his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, while Grier must fill the Dolphins roster with offensive playmakers in free agency and the draft this offseason.
Watson, who was 3-3 as a rookie starter completing 61.8% of his passes for 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2017, led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards and 8.9 yards per attempt last season.
Watson has a career 67.8 completion percentage with 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions with a 104.5 passer rating.
Tagovailoa was 6-3 as Dolphins starter this past season, completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,814 yards with 11 touchdowns, five interceptions a 6.3 yards per attempt average and an 87.1 passer rating during the first 10 games of his career.