While no one knows if the Houston Texans will concede to Deshaun Watson’s trade claims, two former San Francisco 49ers greats have voiced their opinions.
Earlier in the week, Jerry Rice said he thinks Niners general manager John Lynch should put together a package to bring Watson to the Bay.
Now Steve Young, the Hall of Fame full-back, is also playing with his mind. The two-time NFL MVP was on KNBR and was asked what he would be willing to share in a trade package for Watson (h / t 49erswebzone):
‘I’ll give two first-round picks for generational quarterfinals, this is potential Hall of Famers.
Who are the generational backs currently playing? Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, probably Josh Allen. Like young guys. Justin Herbert, very fast. I would not trade Justin Herbert for less than that, even if he won four games or something. But there’s something about him that really gives me that sense. ‘
San Francisco holds the 12th pick in the 2021 NFL draft. With defense coordinator Robert Saleh to become the head coach of the New York Jets, the 49ers will have a total of ten picks in April.
Watson is one of the best backs in the NFL. He led the league with 4,873 passing yards and threw in 33 touchdowns during the 2020 season.
Young also said he would be willing to part with three firsts to bring the 25-year-old to the Bay.
“He’s no joke, he’s one of the best backs in the league … He’s going to be one of the great generations, and he’s already proven he can handle it. … Deshaun Watson is like, ‘Wow. I want it. “
Houston signed Watson to a four-year deal worth up to $ 160 million (approximately $ 111 million in guaranteed money) just before Week 1 of the 2020 season. The team also paid him a $ 27 million sign-up bonus.
Per Over the cap, Watson’s base salary for the 2021 season is a little over $ 10.5 million, with a higher amount of $ 15.94 million. His contract is structured in a way that sees a significant increase in the coming years.
Watson’s amount is more than $ 40 million in 2022 and 2023 and then averages $ 33.35 during the last two seasons of the deal.
The 49ers still have Jimmy Garoppolo under contract. The full-back missed ten games last season while suffering ankle injuries. Garoppolo’s success for the 2021 season is $ 25.9 million, but if the team decides to continue, it will only cost $ 2.8 million in dead money.