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The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a sleeper destination for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. When he's on the field, Watson is still one of the best players in the NFL. However, he missed the entire 2021 season due to legal troubles. With the criminal charges dropped, teams have begun to meet with Watson and express interest in acquiring him.
Watson still has 22 civil cases filed against him, but teams are ready to consider trading for him. The Falcons seem to be interested in the 26-year-old, as quarterback Matt Ryan is nearing the end of his career. Watson could be the franchise QB for the Falcons, as he is under contract for four more seasons.
But will be a competitive field, as the Falcons' division rivals, the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, are also in the running for Watson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Falcons have emerged as a sleeper team to acquire Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, league sources tell @mortreport and me. The Falcons join the Panthers, Saints and Browns as teams that have met with, or are interested in, trading for Watson. More to come on ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2022
Falcons trade offer for Deshaun Watson
Falcons trade: 2022 8th overall pick, 2022 43rd overall pick, 2022 74th overall pick, 2023 second round pick
Texans trade: Deshaun Watson
While Watson still has some legal problems, all signs point to a return to play in the 2022 season. The Texans want to trade him, which opens the door for the Falcons to offer this deal. It, however, will cost a ton of draft capital to get the deal done.
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Watson last played in 2020, leading the league with 4,823 passing yards. He also threw for 33 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. He is not only dominant in the passing attack but also makes plays running the ball. He finished the 2020 season with 444 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
In his four seasons in the NFL, Watson has made it to three Pro Bowls. This shows how quickly he developed and how he can be a great QB for years to come. The Falcons must jump on this opportunity to acquire him despite having to give up a slew of draft picks.
Finding a franchise quarterback is difficult, and a high-caliber one is rarely available. The Falcons have the unique chance to pursue one who is just entering his prime. Ryan accomplished a lot with the team, but he is already 36 years old and only has a few seasons left.
Ryan is still a solid quarterback, as he threw for 3,968 yards along with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, it is time to move on from him. The Falcons traded away wide receiver Julio Jones last offseason and are entering rebuild mode. Trading for Watson would be a crucial piece as they build their roster for the future.
Watson wouldn't have an elite offense around him right away but he would have pieces for the next few seasons. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley is out for the 2022 season due to a league suspension for gambling on games. With his absence, the promising target on offense will be second-year tight end Kyle Pitts. The Falcons took Pitts with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and he had a phenomenal rookie campaign.
Pitts finished with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown. His production earned him a Pro Bowl nod and he has more potential ahead of him. Watson's connection with Pitts could be near unstoppable if the Falcons can pull off the trade.
Although there are many teams interested in Watson, the Falcons have the assets to get it done and solidify their quarterback for the future.
