3 teams with enough draft capital to trade for Deshaun Watson
By Surae Poole
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are likely going to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo and rightfully so. After an injury-plagued season in 2020, the organization appears ready for a change at the quarterback position. The 49ers can move on from Garoppolo and save $23 million in cap space. San Francisco can also move on from Dee Ford and Weston Richburg to save another $20 million dollars.
Most importantly, the 49ers should be on the phone with Houston offering every draft pick they have for the next 10 years. Okay, maybe that was a tad bit dramatic but giving up three to four first-round picks should be an immediate thought.
The Texans won’t make a pick in the 2021 NFL Draft until the third round with pick 67. They should and most likely will listen to any trade offers if it does in fact come to this. San Francisco can offer their 2021 12th overall pick, 2022 first-round pick, and their 2023 first-round pick.
Houston would be nuts to say no to that haul of picks. If you’re Nick Caserio, I’m sure you don’t want your first move as General Manager to be a trade involving your best player and franchise quarterback. Kyle Shanahan is one competent quarterback away from being right back in the Super Bowl. John Lynch has built a winning program.
The 49ers have plenty of young talented wide receivers that Watson could thrive with. If the relationship cannot be fixed between the star player and the front office, San Francisco shouldn’t overthink this one. Make the call John Lynch.