Deshaun Watson reported to Texans camp but was relegated to fourth-string QB and defensive back play. The Eagles, Broncos, and now Panthers have been rumored trade partners, but the Texans’ demands are exorbitant (three firsts), especially without any closure from Watson’s legal issues.
THE DETAILS
Led by a former team chaplain and apparently unaware of this entire offseason, the Texans are “open to trading” Watson, but the team is demanding three first-rounders and change in return.
Randall Cobb on how it feels to be back: “I can breathe again. I’ve seen the other side.”
His teammates told him he’s acting like he just out of prison.
Didn’t mean is a rip on the Texans.
“Green Bay is like a Fortune 500 company and Houston is like a start-up.”
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 29, 2021
Without question, Watson’s on-field play warrants this cost. The man just led the NFL in passing and has to be on any respectable top-10 active QB lists, if not top-five.
But Watson, 25, also faces 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and misconduct. Sure, he has denied all allegations. Still, how this unfolds and the NFL’s response remain a mystery. The most important mystery for fantasy.
Watson elevates the prospects of every single player around him. Regardless of where he lands, Watson will be a weekly Top-5 QB option. The impact will be seismic, for the fantasy QB landscape and his supporting cast, once Watson steps back on an NFL field.
Where and when remains unclear. What do we know?
Philly Radio Personality Howard Eskin lit Twitter ablaze when he dropped this on-air atomic bomb: “Based on the information that I got, when — and I’ll say WHEN — he is traded, I think there is a 90 percent chance that he will be with the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Bold, Howard. Supporting Ekin’s brazen words, the Eagles do have two 2022 first-round picks, which can grow to three pending Carson Wentz‘s health. Additionally, legendary Texans beat John McClain noted the Eagles have remained interested all offseason.
Obviously, Jalen Hurts would lose significant steam, although he’d likely land on his feet as the starter in Houston as part of the deal. They’ll need points and the weapons are comparable. Still, Hurts’ fantasy value would remain best where he’s already proven — QB3 over his final stretch of starts. Devonta Smith, Miles Sanders, and Dallas Goedert (maybe Jalen Reagor) would all benefit from a more established thrower in Watson.
McClain also tosses out the Broncos, suggesting they were “preparing a bombshell offer” before the legal issues, but are now in “wait-and-see” mode.
For now, Watson remains in Houston, where he was on the field to open training camp. Still, Watson was relegated to reps as the fourth-string quarterback and lining up as a defensive back with the scout team. Since then, Watson has been sidelined with a “foot injury.” This still seems headed for a divorce.
Most recently, the Panthers emerged as a potential partner. Despite acquiring Sam Darnold earlier this offseason, Carolina is “quietly keeping an eye on Watson.” Similar to the Broncos, the Panthers would be a dreamboat fantasy scenario. Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, and the surging Terrace Marshall create a dynamic weapons cabinet, while Joe Brady remains one of the most intriguing young offensive minds.
IDEAL FANTASY SCENARIO
Watson goes to Broncos, dramatically elevating Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, and Javonte Williams‘ stock. Each would jump a tier with Watson under center. With that weaponry, over 17 games, Watson himself would rank within the top-seven QBs, right alongside Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson. A full-season is highly unlikely, but even half the season would provide plenty of stash appeal.
PREDICTION
Watson’s legal issues drag onward, and we don’t see him moved or on the field until 2022. Still, take the massively reduced ADP on Watson at the end of redraft, best ball, and dynasty drafts — just in case.
