The relationship between the Houston Texans and their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson, appears to have soured. The quarterback may have reached a breaking point and could contemplate a trade request if the situation doesn't improve.
Of course, that launched a flurry of speculation and trade scenarios on social media, mostly by fans who believe their teams should be on the phones immediately trying to strike some sort of deal with the Texans. That includes San Francisco 49ers fans, who, according to a recent poll, might be willing to sacrifice the future for the chance of adding a dynamic player like Watson.
ESPN's Adam Schefter stated that Watson's anger level following a trade that sent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals last offseason was at a two. The quarterback's displeasure is at an all-time high right now.
Also worth noting: One source said this week that, after Houston traded Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last off-season, Deshaun Watson's anger level was "a 2….This time, it's a 10." https://t.co/CsqZYbe3OK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2021
Reports about Deshaun Watson's unhappiness with @HoustonTexans are accurate and sources close to the QB say he is still angry about team's insensitivity to social justice, including hiring practices, after the franchise failed to interview Chiefs OC Eric Bienemy this past week.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 10, 2021
ESPN's Chris Mortensen adds that Watson might consider a trade to the Miami Dolphins, with Tua Tagovailoa and additional draft compensation headed to the Texans.
Sources say Watson could play hardball with Texans about a trade. His new $156 million contract includes a no-trade clause but informed speculation from a source is that he would consider the @MiamiDolphins in which Tua Tagovailoa and additional compensation goes to Houston.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 10, 2021
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reportedly had a few exchanges with NFL executives who feel a deal between the Texans and the 49ers could take place should the situation with Watson "go nuclear." It would involve quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and "several high picks" going to Houston in exchange for Watson (h/t to Patrick Tulini for the find).
La Canfora notes that a trade with the 49ers would get Watson out of the AFC and reunite Garoppolo with new Texans general manager Nick Caserio, who was the director of player personnel in New England when Garoppolo was drafted.
Had a few execs text me a siimilar trade concept regarding Texans should the situation with Watson go nuclear: Jimmy G plus several high picks for Watson. Caserio/Jimmy reunion. Gets Watson out of the AFC kinda like how Belichick wouldn't trade Jimmy within the AFC.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 10, 2021
Of course, Garoppolo has a no-trade clause in his contract and would need to agree to any trade. The salary-cap hit for parting ways with Garoppolo is minimal compared to the quarterback's average salary.