Washington Football Team should be interested in Deshaun Watson amid reported rift with Texans

Washington should be interested if potential hang-ups don’t interfere

Watson, 25, is a sure-fire top-10 quarterback in this league and he well may be a top-five option. Needless to say, if he’s available, he would be a massive upgrade for Washington and would easily be the best player they could add at the position this offseason. He would give the team a legitimate top QB to pair with Terry McLaurin and turn the team into a potential juggernaut if all goes well.

However, there are a few potential hang-ups in any potential deal for Watson. First of all, Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he would have control of where he might light. Washington should be attractive to Watson, but it’s possible that he may prefer to go to an offensive-minded head coach like Frank Reich or Kyle Shanahan. His decision could influence any possible Washington involvement.

Additionally, the cost of acquiring Watson would likely be astronomical. His contract is already signed, so that’s a plus, but he is a proven, young franchise quarterback that can instantly lift a team into contention. Finding those on the open market is borderline impossible. Sure, Washington might have leverage in any trade talks if they are Watson’s preferred destination, but the Texans wouldn’t just give him away, either.

It would likely cost Washington multiple first-round picks, some Day 2 compensation, and, perhaps, even a player to get Watson. They could also opt to take back a bloated contract from the cap-strapped Texans. Brandin Cooks‘ contract ($12 million cap hit) stands out as one that the Texans could move that Washington would have an interest in taking on to upgrade their receiving corps since Cooks is still an effective starter who has good chemistry with Watson.

The final obstacle, of course, would be Watson actually wanting to be traded. It seems like he isn’t happy with the Texans, but these are just rumors. And just because he’s unhappy with the team doesn’t mean it’s a foregone conclusion that he will demand a trade. He could just be leveraging the team for more control in helping to select the new head coach or to at least some input in the matter.

For now, this is a situation to monitor, but rest assured that if Watson is available, Washington should, and will, be interested in acquiring his services.