The Deshaun Watson saga is getting messier as each week in February passes by.
He has not waivered in his position that he no longer wants to be a Houston Texan, and the Texans have no waivered in their position for him to remain a Texan.
From NFL Now: The #Texans don't plan on trading QB Deshaun Watson for a long, long time (and likely not at all). pic.twitter.com/iNOmLjm7BS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2021
Reports have also emerged saying that the short list of teams he is interested in includes the Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets.
Knowing that the Miami Dolphins are in the mix, let’s consider what the Dolphins might offer to get Watson.
The Dolphins are on Deshaun Watson's wish list 👀
He looks pretty good in those colors #FinsUp
(📸 via e_swaps on IG) pic.twitter.com/jttM6dbRs3
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 28, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa
Remember how the Dolphins’ organization is behind Tua.
Though he was benched at times in 2020 for Fitzpatrick and declared the 2021 starter, Tua would be shipped to Houston in a heartbeat as part of the Dolphins package to get Watson.
For his part, Tua is saying the right things in public about the rumblings of a Dolphins-Texans trade that could bring Deshaun Watson to the Sunshine State.
In early February on ESPN’s Get Up, Tua said:
“I can only control what I can control. I am the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.”
Tua went on to say he is focusing on improving from his rookie year to his second season, and there have not been any trade talks shared with him.
Draft Picks A Plenty
Four draft picks could be proposed in addition to Tua.
Those would be three first-round picks and one second-round pick.
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe detailed the trade scenario even further.
“A hypothetical Dolphins offer for Watson could be the No. 3 pick, No. 18 pick, 2022 first-round pick, 2023 second-round pick and Tagovailoa.”
Wolfe Added Another Dolphin To The Mix
Cameron Wolf also envisioned a scenario where the Texans could request a defensive player as part of the trade in lieu of one of the first round picks.
“The Texans could also push for the Dolphins to include All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard, a Houston native who finished third in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting and wants a contract adjustment. If Howard was included, perhaps Miami could include the No. 35 pick instead of the No. 18.”
Dolphins Are Reportedly Pursuing Watson
We know that Deshaun Watson continues to communicate with the Texans that he will not play for them in 2021.
Up until this point, the Texans have not publicly or privately acknowledged that trading Deshaun Watson was on their radar.
In the past few days, a few interesting things have occurred.
Legendary Houston NFL reporter John McClain has come out and said the Texans need to start fielding trade offers.
Given his forty year career and reputation in the area, many took notice.
When it comes to Texans, it’s ALWAYS worth noting when John weighs in … https://t.co/GOLHKieBJ1
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) February 27, 2021
We also know that Watson is in Miami this weekend.
He was reportedly attending the Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim boxing match on Saturday.
I’m told DeShaun Watson is gonna be at the Canelo fight tonight at Hard Rock Stadium. Dolphins putting on the full court press this weekend.
Based on other intel I’ve heard, I’m putting Miami ahead of Carolina now as the leader pic.twitter.com/SNhvHtBupP
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) February 27, 2021
The wildcard in this situation is the Houston Texans.
No one really knows what they will do.
The Carolina Panthers are also actively pursuing Watson.
It could all be a mute point if the Texans are not answering the phone to discuss potential trades.
The Deshaun Watson saga is bound to continue and may not be resolved until training camp.
NEXT: 3 Reasons QB Tua Tagovailoa Could Fail In The NFL