Denver Broncos: Realistic trade package to get Deshaun Watson

If the Denver Broncos want to trade for Deshaun Watson, it will cost them an arm and a leg.

The Denver Broncos can finally solve their quarterbacking issues long term by trading for Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans, but are they willing to mortgage their future for him?

Denver has not honestly had long-term stability at the position since John Elway. Peyton Manning was great for the Broncos for three years or so, but they only got the tail-end of his prime before he rapidly decayed in front of their eyes. If the Broncos do trade for Watson, they will have to pay a gross premium to do so, as playing in the same AFC as the Texans sure does have its downside.

What would the Denver Broncos have to give up to get Deshaun Watson?

Denver will have to give the Texans at least three future first-round picks to even open the door for a blockbuster trade to manifest. Houston will probably want a stop-gap quarterback, so the Texans’ way goes Drew Lock. Even still, that will not be enough to entice the Texans to pull the trigger. They will also need to give the Texans some combination of second and third-round picks.

Would this deal even be worth it? What is the price of being relevant? The Broncos’ single biggest issue is that they play in the same AFC West Division as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Even Derek Carr is a more proven passing commodity over Lock. If Denver keeps finishing in fourth in the AFC West quarterbacking standings, they will not sniff the AFC playoffs any time soon.

Houston can rebuild with this trade package from Denver, while Watson can go carry the Broncos.