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The Miami Dolphins are viewed as one of the NFL’s ascending teams heading into the summer, with a great shot to make the playoffs with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. But Miami’s ceiling could be even higher with the possibility of a blockbuster trade that could still happen before Week 1.
When Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson requested a trade in January, Miami immediately expressed interest and it seemed like the perfect landing spot. But the Texans wouldn’t even engage in discussions, even as the Dolphins offered Tagovailoa and multiple first-round picks.
So, general manager Chris Grier focused on building a better offense around his second-year quarterback. Miami signed Will Fuller and drafted Jaylen Waddle, creating an explosive receiving corps that is poised to explode in 2021. Meanwhile, Watson’s NFL future was in doubt following nearly two dozen allegations of sexual assault and harassment by him.
Related: Miami Dolphins draft Jaylen Waddle with No. 6 pick in 2021 NFL Draft
But things seem to be shifting in the 25-year-old quarterback’s favor. There have been discussions of a settlement and there is a growing belief the civil suits will “go away” this summer. As his legal team works towards a resolution, the Texans are now ready to trade the face of their franchise.
With it looking increasingly likely that Watson will be allowed to play in 2021, trade rumors are swirling around the Pro Bowl signal-caller. While two teams are the current favorites to land him, the Dolphins might not be out of the running.
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Will the Miami Dolphins trade for Deshaun Watson?
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote that the Dolphins are still a team to monitor and he believes a Watson trade is likely in 2021. While a specific timetable for a blockbuster deal isn’t known, given the ongoing investigations, it’s evident that Watson is done with the Texans.
Miami might have the most to offer Houston for Watson. The Philadelphia Eagles could package multiple 2022 first-round picks, but the Dolphins could put a stronger package together.
- Miami Dolphins trade: 2022 first-round pick (San Francisco 49ers), 2023 first-round pick (Miami) and Tua Tagovailoa
- Houston Texans trade: Deshaun Watson
The Texans aren’t going to get the historic trade haul they likely would have received in February. Even if Watson settles the civil suits, putting the allegations behind him, it will still put him at risk for a suspension and organizations will be concerned about potential off-field behavior.
But there are still going to be teams desperate for an MVP-caliber quarterback, the kind of player who can turn a talented team into a Super Bowl contender.
Tagovailoa might turn into a quality starter and the Dolphins certainly love draft capital, but this franchise has built a championship-caliber roster around its quarterback. If there’s a deal to be made, Miami might pull the trigger.