HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans passes during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the 49ers 16-13. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Deshaun Watson would reportedly be interested in a trade that sends him to the 49ers.
Deshaun Watson doesn’t want to suit up with the Houston Texans in 2021. That much is known.
But the situation is a difficult one and there is a possibility the team refuses to trade him. However, let’s say they come to their senses and shop him around. A team getting Watson is going to want him to be happy upon arrival and a recent report has cited the San Francisco 49ers as a potential top landing spot for the disgruntled quarterback.
Watson could thrive with the 49ers
The report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also lists the Denver Broncos as an “intriguing” option for Watson. But going to San Francisco could be the best move for him as he would team up with Kyle Shanahan.
A trade to the 49ers is intriguing in general because it would likely send Jimmy Garoppolo to Houston. He is set to earn just over $50 million between 2021-2022, but currently has a dead cap value of $2.8 million. That numbers drops by half in 2022 and the Texans could even take him on as a one-year experiment while they try to get some stability back in the organization.
At this point Watson would likely be “intrigued” by just about any trade. If he was reportedly interested in potentially joining the New York Jets, few destinations are going to be off the table.
Shanahan and the 49ers likely believe they would have won the Super Bowl in 2019 if they had a better quarterback. Garoppolo has spent much of his tenure injured and Shanahan could put his full offense into place with a more dynamic quarterback in Watson. That would be quite the upgrade for both sides and the quarterback may reach even greater heights after years with Bill O’Brien.
Watson wants out and the Texans should receive some great offers. Sending Watson to the 49ers would also make the NFC West one of the most exciting divisions in recent NFL history.