There is no substantial report that the Texas Texans intend on Deshaun Watson’s trading. Nor is there any substantial reporting that Watson has or will request a transaction. However, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday Watson is not happy with the Texans after some of their off-season maneuvers and he didn’t talk to the club in the last days. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the same thing.
Watson is a player impressive enough that any word of his possible move is something the 49ers should be looking for.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed his support for Jimmy Garoppolo and intends for him to be the starter, unless there is a massive upgrade.
If Watson enters the trading block, he immediately moves to the top of a short list of potentially available defenders that represents that massive upgrade. He may actually be the only player on the list, depending on how the team feels compared to other veteran defenders in the entire league.
San Francisco overtook Watson when they finished third in the 2017 draft, opting instead to strengthen their defensive line with Solomon Thomas. A chance to also end with Watson, while still in the mid-1920s, would help alleviate the significant ramifications of the swing and longing that launched John Lynch’s term as general manager.
A barrier to a 49ers-Watson connection would be the cost of acquiring such a significantly older defender. There aren’t many teams that wouldn’t make a call about Pro Bowler. It is inconceivable that its price would involve three or more choices in the first round, several choices in Day 2 and a quality starter. It’s steep, but securing a franchisee caller while he’s 25 would be worth the price for a team like San Francisco, which is still looking for its long-term answer under the center.
It is worth noting that Watson is not in the trading block, but the Rapoport reports are the first signs of smoke. And the 49ers would be wise to watch a potential fire closely.