The Houston Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson has had his best season in the NFL. And yet, even with Bill O’Brien of Houston, is it really any surprise that the Texans found a way to ruin their team?
Watson led the league by 4,823 yards with a completion rate of 70.2%, 33 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Despite a 4-12 record, the Texans finished fourth in the NFL for yards per game and had one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the NFL.
Even though DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller didn’t miss any games due to suspension and Brandin Cooks was out for some time due to injury, Deshaun Watson managed to put together a fantastic season.
The Texans hired former Patriots Director of Player Personnel, Nick Caserio, as the team’s new general manager. Normally this would be a good move, but the Texans just don’t seem to be getting on the same page with their franchise QB.
Deshaun Watson was apparently upset that Texas management did not consult Watson or adopt any of his recommendations in deciding to hire a new GM. As a result, rumors swirled that Watson might request a deal for the upcoming 2021 season.
A franchise quarterback rarely goes on the open market this early in their career. Elite quarterback talent is hard to come by and never goes on sale by the age of 25.
A good percentage of the league needs to stall on the opportunity to get Watson.
Here are the top three trading destinations for Deshaun Watson if he asks:
# 1. Washington soccer team
This year was a coming-out party for the soccer team that demonstrated their elite defensive talent under the leadership of Chase Young. Washington’s defense is in the league’s top ten in almost every statistical category and is the reason for their place in the playoffs.
It is clear that Washington desperately needs a quarterback to generate a consistent offensive for this team. Despite the playoffs, the offensive in Washington took 25th place in the rating and 25th place in the ranking per game this season.
They struggled to move the ball through the air regardless of who was at the quarterback, but the constant QB swapping definitely didn’t help.
What can Washington do with a franchise quarterback?
A limping Alex Smith started 5-1 and led the franchise to the NFC East Division title. Imagine what Deshaun Watson would do.
Watson would reinforce that offense, making this team one of the most dangerous in the NFC. Deshaun would have another legitimate number 1 recipient and a reliable ending for the first time in his career (Logan Thomas) in Terry McLaurin, a solid running game starring Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic.
This division has not had a repeat winner for 16 years. Not only would Watson make Washington the clear best team in the division, but he would make them a playoff team every year.
Washington would be an excellent match for Deshaun.
# 2. LA Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are a consistent quarterback, far from being one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. Though Jared Goff got inked on a sizeable deal, the Rams should try to stray from Goff if Watson is on the table.
Watson would join an electric offensive with one of the NFL’s top offensive players in Sean McVay.
With a tripartite run attack and a top 10 receiver duo in the NFL, Watson would be in heaven on this Rams offensive.
Defensively, the Rams are already stacked. Aaron Donald is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL, and Jalen Ramsey is easily one of the top three cornerbacks in the game. Her superstar talent in defense ranked her as the best defense in the NFL that year.
The Rams squealed into the playoffs as a wildcard team, but should be one of the most elite teams in the NFC given their squad. Deshaun Watson would raise them to reach that level. Watson wouldn’t make the mistakes Jared Goff makes, giving them the edge in so many close games that the Rams lost this season.
A Deshaun Watson deal to LA would work well for both parties.
# 3. New Orleans Saints
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With rumors that Drew Brees will retire after the 2020 season, one of the worst offenses remains with a gaping hole with the quarterback. Taysom Hill has proven he’s capable of winning games, but he’s not a long-term answer for the Saints. Deshaun Watson certainly would.
Watson would be stepping into one of the NFL’s already finest offenses. He would have guns in the backfield with Alvin Kamara, and he would be paired with a top 5 receiver in the game in Michael Thomas.
The options don’t stop there, however. Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith, Latavius Murray and Jared Cook round out one of the league’s deepest offenses. Not to mention the Saints are a dome team with one of the best offensive coaches in the NFL. This seems like a match made in heaven.
Defending the saints, they’re damn good too. Defending the Saints is fifth best against the pass and fourth best against the barrel. They are complete on all three levels of defense and have some of the most electrifying playmakers in their secondary school.
The Saints are ready to win now, and with Drew Brees out, they would welcome Deshaun Watson with open arms. If I were Deshaun Watson I would be thrilled to land in New Orleans.
Deshaun Watson trade overall
That list could be made for about 20 teams in the NFL. There are very few teams that don’t want to choose Deshaun Watson. Generational talent like Watson is rarely available, so the market will be large and active.
Regardless of where they go or whether they stay, every NFL fan hopes their talent isn’t wasted on a lost franchise.
Let’s get Deshaun to the Super Bowl!
