We’re hearing a lot of smoke when it comes to Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson after he officially requested a trade from the downtrodden organization.
While Houston has privately said it won’t even engage in trade talks regarding the NFL’s reigning passing champion, it stands to reason that Watson will be traded. His threat to hold out the entire 2021 season adds a completely new layer to this.
If Watson is indeed dealt, NFL rumors are going to point to a good 16-20 teams being interested in the star quarterback’s services. That obviously includes the Denver Broncos.
Speaking to TMZ Sports recently, Broncos star Kareem Jackson seemed to break some news on that front.
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Denver Broncos star suggests Deshaun Watson open to joining the team
“I had a couple of conversations with him,” Jackson told TMZ Sports. “Just with him saying that Denver is a place that’s he’s interested in landing.”
This would be a rather interesting development in that Denver has not been linked to Watson as much as other teams vying for his services, including the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders.
Denver currently has a young quarterback in Drew Lock slated to start under center next season. Obviously, Deshaun Watson would be seen as a major upgrade over him. Remember, Lock tied for the league lead in interceptions this past season.
As for the Broncos’ front office, team president John Elway gave up general manager duties. They just recently hired George Paton, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, to replace him.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Denver Broncos, check out #Broncos rumors, rankings, and news here.
How would a Deshaun Watson trade to the Denver Broncos look?
Reports indicate that the Broncos want three first-round picks and multiple players in exchange for the 2020 NFL MVP candidate. Some reports note that this includes two defensive players. Another report suggests Houston wants a young quarterback as part of any package.
Denver has those assets. Lock could land with Houston in a Watson trade, acting as the team’s starting quarterback moving forward. If the Texans are looking defense, former top-five pick Bradley Chubb could make sense.
After suffering a torn ACL back in 2019, Chubb returned to form this past season and earned his first ever Pro Bowl appearance. He could be the long-term replacement for fellow edge rusher J.J. Watt, who will more than likely be traded by the Texans this offseason.
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Whether any of this happens remains to be seen. What we do know is that Denver will not be alone in targeting Watson in a trade. He’s also said to be willing to go to multiple teams if it means exiting Houston.
“Really, though, the top of his list might be, ‘Anywhere but Houston,'” SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano note on Thursday. “If he really wants out, why would he say ‘no’ to any trade?”
As for a potential Deshaun Watson fit in the Mile High City, the Broncos’ brass was recently assured that he would be willing to come to the team. Boasting stud young receivers in that of Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, it makes sense that he’d be interested.