On Tuesday, Jordan Schultz shockingly reported that the San Francisco 49ers were among the teams that planned to meet with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who seeks a trade. The New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Brown, and Atlanta Falcons appear to be in the mix to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler who sat out 2021.
Several long-time reporters shot down the 49ers' involvement, including Matt Maiocco, Peter Schrager, and Albert Breer. San Francisco was not meeting with Watson.
On Wednesday, NFL Media's Jim Trotter also chimed in, saying that the 49ers are not in on the Watson sweepstakes. However, the reporter added that there could be a scenario—albeit far-fetched—in which San Francisco does get involved (h/t Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated).
Below is the text from several tweets posted by Trotter, outlining what would have to happen in the unlikely scenario that the 49ers start pursuing Watson.
"Are the 49ers in on Deshaun Watson? Not at this point; it is not something they are pursuing," Trotter wrote. "But there could be a scenario in which that changes. Let's go through it.
"First, Deshaun and his team would have to drive the bus and create an environment in which the 49ers believe they have a credible shot at landing DW. How is that done? DW and his team would essentially have to tell HOU that he will only waive his no-trade for SF. Privately, DW has expressed an interest in playing for SF."
That last part was already known. Last year, Watson reportedly expressed interest in playing for the 49ers. Of course, that was before his legal troubles surfaced—which, for now, has been partially resolved—and before San Francisco acquired quarterback Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick.
"Then, DW and his team would have to broker a deal knowing that SF does not have the draft [capital] that HOU desires," Trotter continued. "It could become a game of chicken then: DW couldn't threaten to sit out a second season, but would he? If Team Watson were to get HOU to reconsider its demands and create an environment in which SF has a legitimate chance of landing Watson, then the 49ers would be willing to engage b/c Watson is that good.
"But at this time, the 49ers are not interested in creating unnecessary drama. They like Trey Lance and are happy with him. But at the same time, it could be considered foolish not to seriously look into Watson if a deal can be done. The organization has no plans to meet with Watson at this point. And as I said earlier, they are not pursuing him. But ... if he were to create a scenario in which he could fall into their laps — things would get interesting."
Are the 49ers in on Deshaun Watson? Not at this point; it is not something they are pursuing. But there could be a scenario in which that changes. Let's go through it. …
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) March 16, 2022
The 49ers remain silent spectators, awaiting a resolution with Watson. Only then can the team move forward with trying to trade its starting quarterback since Week 13 of the 2017 season—Jimmy Garoppolo. Of course, Garoppolo undergoing shoulder surgery last week has complicated things, seemingly diminishing his value and delaying a deal.
Now under the salary cap, San Francisco appears to be prepared to play the waiting game. They can be more patient.
"[The 49ers] are in no-panic mode when it comes to Jimmy," Trotter said Wednesday on NFL Network. "Like everyone else, they have looked out there. They know there are teams out there that still need a starting quarterback. And therefore, they are going to wait to see what happens with Deshaun, to see which clubs still need a starting quarterback, and then they will look to make a move with Jimmy. They are not prepared to release him, as some have said."