USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) rolls out of the pocket against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy:Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) rolls out of the pocket against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy:Reuters
Deshaun Watson endured a tough season with the Houston Texans in 2020. The former Clemson Tigers man saw his team falter to a 4-12 record in the AFC South.
They finished 3rd in their division, one spot above the Jacksonville Jaguars. But, as NFL stats will indicate, it was not because of Watson’s profligacy.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The young quarterback finished the season as the league leader in passing yards (4,823). He also threw 33 passing touchdowns against just 7 interceptions. All this in a season that started with the departure of star Texans wideout, DeAndre Hopkins.
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Watson signed a 4-year contract extension with Houston in the off-season. It is the biggest quarterback deal in the NFL behind Patrick Mahomes’ epic 10-year deal worth around half a billion.
But after this year’s dismal performance, could Watson be on the move in 2021?
ALSO READ- Aaron Rodgers on Allen Lazard and Role Players for the Green Bay Packers
Deshaun Watson-Jimmy Garoppolo swap deal on the cards?
If the rumors of Watson’s ‘unhappiness’ in Houston are true, then there will a host of NFL teams fighting for his signature. One of those could be the Kyle Shanahan-led San Francisco 49ers.
The Super Bowl LIV Runner-ups endured a below-par season in the league this season themselves. They finished at the bottom of the NFC West with a 6-10 record.
Deshaun Watson was elite in 2020 😤 pic.twitter.com/IPOjhBjqSJ
— PFF (@PFF) January 8, 2021
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was dealing with an ankle injury right from Week 2. He was rotated with backup QBs Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard over the last 4 months.
Despite Jimmy G’s struggles in 2020, coach Shanahan and GM John Lynch have maintained that the former New England Patriots man will remain their undisputed starter in 2021. But with Watson reportedly up for grabs, will the 49ers be tempted for a swap deal?
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Had a few execs text me a siimilar trade concept regarding Texans should the situation with Watson go nuclear: Jimmy G plus several high picks for Watson. Caserio/Jimmy reunion. Gets Watson out of the AFC kinda like how Belichick wouldn't trade Jimmy within the AFC.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 10, 2021
As per reports, Watson is allegedly unhappy with the appointment of Nick Caserio as the new Houston Texans GM. The latter is a former director of player personnel for the Patriots. Surely he would think about reuniting with Garoppolo?
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Make no mistake, there is only going to be one winner in this kind of trade deal (if it does actually go through). Hint: They have a number in their team name.
ALSO READ- Deshaun Watson Pushing for Move Away from the Texans? Three Teams Who Might Be Interested
