Here’s how the Denver Broncos can make a deal for Deshaun Watson

A former teammate says he’s interested in them, but could the Denver Broncos actually make a viable deal to get Deshaun Watson?

It almost depends on the day, but there’s a general a circle of teams most often mentioned as prominent trade suitors for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. But a former teammate has added one to the list that hasn’t been mentioned all that much yet.

Speaking to TMZ Sports on Thursday, Kareem Jackson said Watson has “interest” in the Denver Broncos. The important caveat is that Jackson plays for the Broncos, but he played with Watson in Houston during the 2017 and 2018 seasons and has talked to him recently.

“I had a couple of conversations with him,” Jackson said of Watson. “Just with him saying that Denver is a place that’s he’s interested in landing.”

The Texans have said they don’t want to trade Watson, but that’s expected. If he’s willing to not show up, starting with whatever shape OTAs take this year, he can force their hand. And teams surely are and will continue to call.

Could the Broncos really make a deal for Deshaun Watson?

Any offer from Denver for Watson has to start with the ninth overall pick in April’s draft. First-rounders in 2022 and 2023 would have to be included too, probably along with quarterback Drew Lock. The Broncos apparently offered Lock as part of an offer to get Matthew Stafford, but the Detroit Lions didn’t bite.

Besides the No. 9 pick, it’s not clear what or who else the Broncos offered (if anything). Stafford ultimately went to the Los Angeles Rams for two first-round picks, a third-round pick and Jared Goff. If nothing else, an offer that included Lock confirms that John Elway has indeed ceded primary control over personnel moves to new GM George Paton.

In Denver, Watson should seen an intriguing set of weapons. Courtland Sutton missed most of this season with a torn ACL, but he should be good to go in time for Week 1. Jerry Jeudy had a generally disappointing rookie season, plagued by some drops and unrealized air yards, but some quarterback consistency will help.

Elsewhere at wide receiver Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler are good players, and tight end Noah Fant is full of unrealized potential. The ground game is in solid hands with Melvin Gordon as the lead back.

Here’s what the Broncos could do to get Watson, as if they need a reason to go all-in.

If Houston doesn’t want Lock, maybe the Broncos go a different way and offer Sutton while keeping Hamler. In any case, the Broncos don’t need Jackson to grease the skids for a pursuit of Watson. It should be on the radar already.