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If the blockbuster deal involving Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff is any indication, any team looking to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans should be prepared to give up a lot of assets.
But according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, any trade involving Watson will have nothing to do with the deal between the Rams and Lions. However, it is true that any team hoping to acquire the 25-year-old quarterback will have to give up several draft picks and young talent. McLain has the details of what the Texans are seeking in a trade:
The Rams-Lions trade will have nothing to do with a Watson trade if the Texans do it. They'll want 2 ones, 2 twos and 2 young defensive starters, at the least. Watson, 25, under contract, great QB, team leader, beloved by fans, pillar of the community. Start with the Jets.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 31, 2021
At least two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and two young defensive starters is quite the demand. By comparison, the Rams acquired Stafford in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round picks, and a third-round pick. It may seem like Houston is asking for a lot, but as McClain points out, Watson is not only one of the best at his position, but is young, under contract, and beloved by his teammates and the community.
Watson is coming off a season in which he emerged as the NFL’s passing yards leader, completing 382-of-544 passes for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns with seven interceptions. His brilliant individual statistics, however, couldn’t prevent Houston from finishing the season with a 4-12 record and missing the playoffs.
The former Clemson signal-caller is also months removed from signing a four-year, $156 million contract extension. But even if his team is asking for several draft picks and young assets, a player of Watson’s caliber is still expected to generate a lot of interest around the league.
