The Houston Texans haven't publicly declared that Deshaun Watson is available via a trade. In fact, even as the quarterback continues to distance himself from his team after requesting to be traded, members of the Texans' brass have stated that they have no desire to part with their star player.
The Detroit Lions' haul of two future first-round picks, a third-round pick, and quarterback Jared Goff from the Los Angeles Rams for quarterback Matthew Stafford has many speculating what it might take to pry away Watson from the Texans. If the Lions can get that much for Stafford, Watson might require sacrificing years of draft capital and part of your roster.
Of course, part of the reason the Rams had to give up so much was to offload Goff and his salary. It likely cost Los Angeles extra to convince Detroit to take the quarterback and his cap hit off its hands. So it's somewhat difficult to use the trade as a starting point for what it might cost to get a better player in Watson.
RELATED Vick in communication with Watson, suggests 49ers as a good fit
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle took to Twitter on Sunday morning and said he feels he knows what it might take for a team to pique the Texans' interests when it comes to potentially parting with Watson. The longtime writer acknowledges that the Rams-Lions trade would have no impact on any trade the Texans might make, should Watson force his way out of Houston.
"They'll want 2 ones, 2 twos and 2 young defensive starters, at the least," McCain tweeted. "Watson, 25, under contract, great QB, team leader, beloved by fans, pillar of the community."
McCain adds that any future conversations might start with Robert Saleh's new team — the New York Jets, who own two first-rounders in the upcoming draft and a total of four first-rounders over the next two years.
The Rams-Lions trade will have nothing to do with a Watson trade if the Texans do it. They'll want 2 ones, 2 twos and 2 young defensive starters, at the least. Watson, 25, under contract, great QB, team leader, beloved by fans, pillar of the community. Start with the Jets.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 31, 2021
Watson also likes Saleh and campaigned for the Texans to consider the former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator for their head-coaching vacancy, which the team ignored.
A team might be willing to part with four draft picks to bring in a game-changing player like Watson. Would it be willing to throw in two young defensive starters, though? Does the price go down if the stalemate between Watson and the Texans lasts deeper into the offseason?
Are the 49ers equipped to make a run at Watson, or will they proceed with the plan to enter the 2021 season with Jimmy Garoppolo under center?