According to reports, the Las Vegas Raiders could emerge as a strong contender in the race to sign Houston Texans want-away star Deshaun Watson. The general belief, however, is that parting ways with Derek Carr will be a key prerequisite for the Raiders before they can even join in on the Watson sweepstakes.

According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Carr has emerged as a hot prospect for opposing teams following what was an impressive season for the 29-year-old. Should Las Vegas opt to trade away Carr in the offseason, then what they get in return could put them in the running for a potential Watson coup:

For that to happen, the Raiders would have to receive two first-round picks for Carr, which they would then package with their own first-rounders in 2021 and 2022 to present a compelling offer of four first-round picks to the Texans for Watson, who has reportedly asked be traded.

That's quite a haul to give up for Watson, but on paper at least, the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback is worth the hefty price for the Raiders.

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It is worth noting too, that league insiders believe that Las Vegas can actually obtain two first-rounders in exchange for Carr:

“It could get to two first-round picks,” said an unnamed source. “He’s not Stafford, but he’s younger and he has a fair contract, so I could see two number ones.”

Watson is currently one of, if not the most sought-after name in the offseason, so if the Raiders want in on the action, then they will need to take a considerable risk.