There has been a lot of debate on what fans might be willing to stomach seeing the San Francisco 49ers give up for a star quarterback like Deshaun Watson. There has also been some debate whether or not the 49ers would make such a blockbuster trade. As always, it's worth noting that while Watson wants out of Houston, the Texans have not stated that they would trade him. They've said the opposite, in fact. So we are stuck with a staredown for now.
Who would be completely off the table for the 49ers in a trade offer for Watson, knowing that the Texans would expect unprecedented compensation if the quarterback forced a move? Would Houston asking for young stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner be a dealbreaker? Many fans believe so. Others feel very differently.
ESPN's Adam Schefter joined KNBR on Thursday and shared his thoughts on the situation.
"I don't think there's a price that's too expensive to pay for a quarterback like Deshaun," Schefter said on the Murph & Mac show. "To me, I would trade anybody for him. Anybody. There'd be nobody on the roster that's safe for him. Nobody."
Schefter was asked if a player like Bosa might be seen as tradable for the chance to acquire someone like Watson. The NFL insider believes the question is moot at this point.
"Houston is not budging," Schefter responded. "Again, they're not budging right now. We'll see if they decide to change their stance. How about that? ... With Deshaun Watson, there will be no clarity for weeks. Weeks, I believe."
There was some speculation surrounding a potential reunion between head coach Kyle Shanahan and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Schefter squashed those rumors this week and today reiterated that he hadn't heard anything from the Vikings or a potentially interested team about a trade involving Cousins. He chalks up all the chatter to internet rumors.
NFL Network has reported that the Atlanta Falcons have no intention of trading their quarterback, Matt Ryan.
If Watson doesn't become available, where does that leave the 49ers? Schefter was asked if this is a "Watson-or-nobody" offseason for San Francisco.
"I wouldn't say that," he answered. "Deshaun or nobody? There's a lot of quarterbacks out there. Let's look at the list, alright? First of all, they have [Jimmy Garoppolo], and they like Jimmy. ... Those Kirk Cousins rumors, I've never heard anything to them, but who knows? There's Deshaun Watson. What about Sam Darnold in New York? How about him? I think the Jets could wind up dealing him. What about Carson Wentz in Philadelphia? What about Andy Dalton?"
Some other names were thrown out for Schefter to comment on. He doesn't see Ryan Fitzpatrick as a dramatic upgrade over Garoppolo. He commented on Jameis Winston and Tyrod Taylor before throwing out another name — Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys.
"He's a free agent," Schefter said. "... They could franchise him at $37.1 million in a year where the cap is down, and after (that), he can walk. Now, they'll try to sign him to a long-term deal, but they've been trying to do that now for the better part of two years, and nothing's been done. So what if you're a team like the Niners — any other team out there that has a need for a quarterback — and you make a run at Dak?
"Again, is it a long shot? Yes, it is a long shot. Absolutely. Is he a free agent? Yes, he is. Is there the recipe for something to try to make happen? Well, there's a path there of some sort."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Schefter below.
H/t to KNBR Staff.