Photo courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers
Ultimately, that could amount to what the San Francisco 49ers – or any other NFL team interested – can offer the Houston Texans for fullback Deshaun Watson. Yes, Watson has a non-trading clause in his contract. If he pushed the Texans to trade him, the quarterback would at least have the power to approve his destination.
The split between Watson and the Texans has made an interesting off-season so far, at least for the teams not participating in the post-season game. The young quarterback will be seen as an upgrade for most teams watching the playoffs from home. San Francisco 49ers fans must be wondering what kind of magic Kyle Shanahan could possibly lead with Watson.
This is also what could make the 49ers such an enticing destination for Watson – the presence of Shanahan. Yes, the influence of the head coach is starting to spread across the league, as more teams want to recreate the same kind of creative game calls that Shanahan’s players consistently praise and defend to stop. Other teams may be an enticing lure, but the 49ers have something no one else can offer.
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently ranked the top 10 landing spots for Watson (h / t to) Patrick Tulini), assuming the Texans Cave and deals are offered for the quarterback. While the New York Jets, armed with an abundance of draft capital, come in at No. 1 on the list, the 49ers are surprisingly high at no. 2. It has a lot to do with the head coach and playmaker.
“As I write this off-season, there is no bigger draw for fullbacks who want to win than Kyle Shanahan himself,” Orr wrote. ‘While his system is now responsible for head coaches and coordinators across the NFL (Arthur Smith in Atlanta, Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, Sean McVay in Los Angeles, etc., etc.), the man himself can get more out of quarters and play design with incredible YAC potential.
“Since Watson has a non-trade clause, he can steer the direction of any potential trade talks, and if he’s serious about a stable culture and formidable weaponry, San Francisco should be there.”
Of course, the 49ers do not have the same stock of draft picks as some other teams, and the greedy Watson of the Texans will likely need years of high picks. Orr erroneously notes that the 49ers did not pick a third round, but that has recently changed with the Jets appointing Robert Saleh as head coach. San Francisco will receive a compensatory third-round pick during each of the next two drafts as part of the NFL’s minority lease program.
However, the choice will be at the end of the round after other compensatory choices have been handed out from the third round. The 49ers could also offer a temporary (or perhaps permanent) replacement for Watson – Jimmy Garoppolo. Like Watson, Garoppolo has a non-trading clause in his contract and must approve any move.
“Jimmy Garoppolo is an interesting part of this comparison, as the staff member who helped lead his essay in New England is now in charge in Houston,” Orr adds. “It can help ease the swing of any exchange, as Garoppolo can come into a familiar environment and immediately still be one of the best backs in the division.”
The relationship between the Houston Texans and their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson, seems to have soured. The quarter may have reached a breaking point and may consider a trade request if the situation does not improve. Of course, this has sparked a spate of speculation and trading scenarios on social media, mostly by fans who believe that their teams should immediately try by telephone to bring about some sort of agreement with the Texans. That includes San Francisco 49ers fans, who according to a recent poll may be willing to sacrifice the future for the chance to add a dynamic player like Watson. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Watson’s anger leveled after a
Earlier this week, six teams – including the Houston Texans – had a better chance than the San Francisco 49ers of having Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2021 season. According to oddsmakers, only two teams – still the Texans – also sit in front of head coach Kyle Shanahan. The relationship between Watson and the Texans has soured. The quarterback is frustrated that he was not involved in big decisions, despite the team suggesting he would do so.
Last week, Steve Young said he would be willing to trade the first round of draft picks for Deshaun Watson if he makes the decisions for the San Francisco 49ers. “He’s, no joke, one of the best backs in the league,” Young told KNBR. “… He’s planning to be one of the great generations, and he’s already proven he can handle it.” Another Hall of Fame player and former Niner, Jerry Rice, joined him on 95.7 The Game on Monday