The spectacular Matthew Stafford trade that sent the 12-year-old veteran to the Los Angeles Rams is unlikely to be the biggest trade involving a quarterback this season. Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson wants out, and his market is likely to be robust enough that the Texans can not afford to play the waiting game with him.
In the event that Watson is indeed treated, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle presented a picture of what it might take to bounce the three-time Pro Bowler away from the Texans. He noted that the agreement between the Lions and Rams will not play a role in the market for Watson, but the first two picks, one third round and the starting quarterback that Stafford landed in Los Angeles do not affect McClain’s guess. . to a Watson agreement:
Two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a few young defensive tackles are a strong prize for each player. However, some teams argue that no price is too high for a 24-year-old franchise quarterback.
One of the possible obstacles San Francisco will have to solve with the acquisition of Watson is just the sheer number of assets it can take. They have their own choice for the first round to work with, and their own choice for the second round so that the draft compensation would not be difficult.
Where things could possibly be interesting and tough for San Francisco are the players the Texans want in return.
The 49ers have a number of young players who may want a team in a trade, but given the nature of the situation with a franchise QB on the other side of the deal, the Texans’ starting point for negotiations is likely to be with Nick Bosa and Fred begin. Warner.
It’s hard to imagine San Francisco handling the defensive cornerstones of their franchise along with all the choices. A quarterback is important, but dealing with Bosa and Warner is a complete rebuild for a defense that has put San Francisco together for three years. Watson is great and quarterback is the most important position on the field, but the blow of the defense that hosted a Super Bowl run-up is just a season ago.
The 49ers may be willing to pick one of the two players and Houston a few, but giving away several game-changing All-Pro players from an already formidable top seven is antithetical to general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. the past four years from a team building point of view.
Granted, the nature of this deal is in conflict with Lynch and Shanahan’s previous seasons. They showed a willingness to move concept pieces when it came to relatively low costs. Their trade has never been selected in the first round, except for their trade in the 2020 draft of no. 31 to no. 25.
However, should San Francisco decide to venture into these waters, they could end up with DL Javon Kinlaw and LB Dre Greenlaw, for example. Two young defensive beginners with traits to become bona fide stars in the NFL. These are also the type of players who can replace the 49ers more easily than Bosa and Warner. Kinlaw was the overall number 14, but locating defensive tackles of the starting caliber is easier than locating the top shifters.
Arik Armstead is another player Houston may be willing to tackle. He has a fairly substantial contract, but a versatile defensive line that can stay on the field and be effective for three innings can be enticing for a young, rebuilding defense.
Any move the 49ers make in the Watson game will be out of their comfort zone, and completing a trade of this magnitude will hurt San Francisco a little. They will not be able to sneak in with a bargain, not even in the universe where Watson is actively forcing him into the Bay Area.