The Philadelphia Eagles have re-emerged as a suitor for Deshaun Watson, and here’s how they could get a deal done to get him.
Until his off-field legal issues are resolved, the situation for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will stay in limbo. A suspension from the NFL is possible, if not likely. But this week ESPN’s Adam Schefter has been talking about one team as a possible Watson suitor. The Philadelphia Eagles.
This is not the first time the Eagles have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Watson. General manager Howie Roseman has not been afraid to take big swings, and Watson would certainly be that. If anything, after some maneuvering during the draft that came after the trade to send Carson Wentz to Indianapolis, the Eagles are better equipped to make a significant offer for Watson than they were in March.
How the Eagles could make a deal for Deshaun Watson
Along with their own first-round pick in 2022, the Eagles also have the Miami Dolphins’ first-rounder. Via the Wentz deal, depending how much and how well Wentz plays, they could have a third-first round pick next year via the Colts. At worst, that pick from Indianapolis will be a second-rounder.
Here’s the best offer the Eagles could make to the Texans for Watson.
Eagles Get
QB Deshaun Watson
Texans Get
QB Jalen Hurts
2022 First-Round Pick (Dolphins pick)
2022 First or Second-Round Pick (Colts pick)
2023 First-Round Pick
The Eagles have high hopes for Hurts, but to get Watson he’s easy to part with and he should appeal to Houston. Of the two extra first-round picks they could have, let’s assume Miami’s will be the best. Philadelphia would retain their own 2022 first-rounder, but send out the pick they received for Wentz. Adding a 2023 first-rounder sweetens the pot if that Colts’ pick ends up being in the second round.
Of course any possible Watson trade is predicated on his off the field situation being resolved, and assumes his availability for at least most of the 2021 season. But the Eagles are indeed well-positioned to make the move to get him, and it’s foolish to rule it out.