Seattle Seahawks: Don’t dismiss a Deshaun Watson trade so easily
Chris Phillips
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Although not likely, the idea of the Seattle Seahawks trading for embattled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson isn’t so far fetched.
So, as I’m sure some of you may be aware, Houston Texans franchise QB Deshaun Watson is not happy with his team. Some of those issues were echoed by his teammates. Watson is most upset that the Texans hired new head coach David Culley without consulting with him or getting his input. The former Clemson star wants out. The Seattle Seahawks make an awfully sweet landing spot.
Watson has a full no-trade clause in his contract, and he said he’s willing to play hardball with Houston. The good news for Watson is that about 20 other NFL teams should have an interest in acquiring his services. He can pick his deal and it doesn’t have to be the best offer Houston gets for him.
Why Seattle works
A fellow 12 in a Seahawks fan group I’m part of made a post about the Seahawks trading for Watson. Well, most of the responses are, umm, of the “not happening” nature. But there were a few who make good points about going after Watson.
First, let me say I fully expect this NOT to happen. But don’t be so quick to dismiss this possibility. As previously mentioned, the Seahawks can use some extra money. Wilson takes up 18% of the cap with his $32M cap hit. Watson is seven years younger, has a cap hit of just under $16M.
Houston is $17,809,400 over their team cap. That is a huge red flag for this deal, but I’m sure the Texans can figure out some creative ways to make the money work. The Texans have only one free agent that they’ll bring back, wide receiver Will Fuller. The rest of their free agents can go. None of them make a significant impact.
This won’t be a straight-up one-for-one player swap. Draft picks will be of high value for the Texans. The highest picks Seattle can offer in the next two drafts are a second-rounder. The first-rounders in 2021 and 2022 are now with the New York Jets due to the Jamal Adams trade. So, it might even take a third team to make it happen.
The Texans have a new GM in place. Hailing from New England and came on to the scene like a hard ass, who isn’t too happy about Watson’s comments. Add all this up, plus the Seattle Seahawks hiring a new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, and this idea starts to make a little more plausibility for Seattle.
If there is one person who could ease the tension in Houston, it’s Russell Wilson. Between his on-field talent and off-field personality, Russ can be the bridge to a new Texans future.
As previously mentioned, I don’t believe this trade will come to fruition but don’t be so quick to dismiss this possibility.