Update: Matt Maiocco, Peter Schrager, Albert Breer, and several others swiftly debunked Jordan Schultz's report that Deshaun Watson is meeting with the 49ers. The original article is below.
The #49ers are NOT meeting with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, a source just told me.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 15, 2022
It sounds like the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns aren't the only teams looking to meet with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. According to Jordan Schultz, Watson is also meeting with the San Francisco 49ers. However, this may just be due diligence, as Schultz adds that the Saints remain the frontrunners for the quarterback.
And here you thought the Watson-to-49ers chatter from last season was long dead. It's worth noting that San Francisco doesn't own a first-round draft pick until 2024, so it is unclear what the Niners might be able to offer the Texans for the quarterback, should they want to make a play for him.
Deshaun Watson is also meeting with the #Niners, per league source. I'm told the #Saints remain the front runners, based on trade assets and their desire to acquire the 26-year-old superstar QB. Decision likely by tomorrow.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 15, 2022
The lack of draft capital is due to last year's trade up to the No. 3 overall draft slot to select quarterback Trey Lance. Most expect Lance to be the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022. San Francisco is expected to trade its starter of the past four-and-a-half seasons, Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Texans drafted Watson (6-2, 215) out of Clemson with the No. 12 overall pick in 2017. The quarterback last played in 2020, when he completed 70.2 percent of his passes for a league-leading 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Unhappy with the future direction of the Texans organization, Watson sought a trade and did not play last season. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback faced several lawsuits from women accusing him of harassment and sexual assault. However, the Harris County, Texas, grand jury declined to indict Watson of the criminal sexual misconduct charges.
Watson, 26, has completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 14,539 yards with 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 54 game appearances and 53 starts through his four NFL seasons played.