Texans: Here’s what it would take for Houston to trade Deshaun Watson

So, let’s just say Deshaun Watson is available. Here’s the asking price. 

Fans will know the NFL offseason has arrived when rumors begin flying. On Thursday, perhaps the biggest one of all dropped.

According to a report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has “quietly broached with teammates the possibility of requesting a trade” this offseason. Watson, 25, recently signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension to remain with the team through the 2025 season.

The Texans are now in a bit of a bind if the report is true. On Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with former New England Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio on a six-year deal. The 45-year-old will now have to find a head coach and build a roster in 2021 without a first or second-round selection in April’s draft.

With Houston entering a rebuild mode, Watson’s prime years could be wasted on a roster unable to contend. The best way to speed up the process would be by trading away assets for an overhaul of picks.

Watson would be the lone asset worth trading for.  So, what’s the asking price?

The Texans could ask for a King’s ransom for Watson

Benjamin Allbright, an NFL insider, posed the question of what the starting price would be. Three first-round picks, three-second round picks and a player to be named later begin the chatter.

Begins it, doesn’t end it.

Teams would basically have to bet the future of the franchise on a player who’s proven to be the next “it” quarterback in the NFL. On top of that, they’d agree to take most — if not all — his extension money that won’t come into effect until 2022.

Yet, here’s the thing: why would the Texans trade away Watson to begin with?

Houston is looking to bring in a top-notched coach and Watson is the only selling point. In 2020 behind a putrid offensive line and limited weapons, the fourth-year pro shined. Watson set career numbers all around, completing 70.2 percent of his passes for an NFL-leading 4,823 yards.

He also threw for 33 touchdowns and a career-low seven interceptions. Yet, he’s available?

Turn the narrative around. The Texans had a quarterback that shined and they finished 4-12. They aren’t able to pay anyone due to the cap space and the team is without multiple picks for years to come.

The team that  trades for Watson only is putting him in the same position. All that changes is the uniform.

Watson holds zero leverage until he demands a trade. The Texans can simply keep their franchise guy and hang up near every offer until there’s one even Mike Ditka would look smart at taking.

There’s no reason or rush for Houston to trade their first and only franchise quarterback since their inaugural season in 2002. Build around him the best you can.

A deal like this seems too good to be true. Reality check; that’s because it is.