The San Francisco 49ers are ultimately waiting for the Deshaun Watson domino to drop prior to trading veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his $25 million salary for 2022.
Watson has a number of suitors, expanding the number of possibilities that might be created with his trade for a Jimmy Garoppolo move.
So, how do the 49ers benefit the most from a Deshaun Watson trade?
There are four teams in the Watson race: the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and the Cleveland Browns. However, earlier on Thursday, Watson and his camp informed the Browns that they were no longer in the running, as the expected favorites currently are the Atlanta Falcons, although the Saints are perceived to be right in the mix.
Watson is from Atlanta, Georgia, so a hometown reunion is sensible for the two parties, but the Saints do likely offer the best supporting cast for Watson, given the weapons of running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas.
But, what would be the best-case scenario for the 49ers? It's the New Orleans Saints.
A lot of people are saying the #49ers should hope Deshaun Watson goes to Atlanta.
I disagree. That puts Matt Ryan on the open market and Garoppolo on the back burner once again.
The Saints are the best-case scenario, because they're the team that won't be all-in on JG.#49wz
— Rohan Chakravarthi (@rohanSports27) March 16, 2022
If the Saints were to acquire Deshaun Watson as their quarterback, that would open up the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers as potential Garoppolo candidates, as Matt Ryan would be staying with the Atlanta Falcons, leaving lesser quarterbacks available on the market, with Garoppolo seeming as the prime candidate.
However, if Deshaun Watson were to be traded elsewhere, that, unfortunately, doesn't add another quarterback-needy team to the Garoppolo mix, as the New Orleans Saints are likely to re-sign Jameis Winston then, given that they currently owe him $3 million in dead cap space for 2022 and an additional $1.5 million in dead cap space for 2023.
Exactly why I believe Deshaun Watson to the #Saints is best-case scenario for the #49ers.
Jameis Winston carries a $3 million dead cap hit for 2022, making it likely NO re-signs him if they miss on Watson.
The other teams don't have a backup in place, hence a Jimmy move.#49wz https://t.co/TAIB6tpszK
— Rohan Chakravarthi (@rohanSports27) March 15, 2022
As for the worst-case Watson scenario with the 49ers? It's the Atlanta Falcons.
If the Falcons acquire Watson, Matt Ryan becomes available, putting Jimmy Garoppolo on the back-burner yet again, and decreasing the amount of potential options for a Garoppolo trade, hurting the 49ers' chances.
This is exactly why I'm saying Deshaun Watson to the #Falcons is the WORST case scenario for the 49ers.
Leaves only Carolina in pursuit of a quarterback and they could also prefer free agency for cost, although Matt Rhule could be on the hot seat.
A very realistic chance#49wz https://t.co/JTJjaLjJc8
— Rohan Chakravarthi (@rohanSports27) March 17, 2022