There is no material report that the Houston Texans intend to trade Deshaun Watson. There is also no material reporting that Watson is going to or will request a trade. However, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday Watson is not happy with the Texans maneuver to some of their outdoors and did not speak to the club over the last few days. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the same.
Watson is an effective player that any word of his possible move is something the 49ers should keep an eye on.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has voiced support for Jimmy Garoppolo and plans to be the starter unless a major upgrade is on the table.
In case Watson goes on the trade block, he immediately jumps to the top of a short list of possible available quarterbacks representing the major upgrade. He may be the only player on the list, depending on how the team feels about other veteran backs in the league.
San Francisco passed Watson on when they picked third place in the 2017 draft, preferring their defensive line with Solomon Thomas instead. A chance to also end up with Watson while he’s still in his mid – 20s could help alleviate the effects of the significant swing and miss that John Lynch’s tenure as general manager begins.
An obstacle to a 49ers-Watson connection is the cost of acquiring such an important quarter in his best time. There are not many teams that will make a call about the Pro Bowler. It is not inconceivable that his prize involves three or more first-round picks, several day 2 picks and a quality appetizer. It’s steep, but securing a franchise caller while he’s 25 is worth the price tag for a team like San Francisco that is still looking for the long-term answer below the center.
It’s worth emphasizing that Watson is not on the trading block, but Rapoport’s reports are the first signs of smoking. And the 49ers would be wise to keep a close eye on a possible fire.