Ever since they finished up a disastrous 2020 season, NFL rumors have linked Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to a trade. Watson is unhappy with the direction of the organization and has threatened not to play another game for the team.
It’s an interesting developing given that the reigning passing champion inked a four-year, $156 million extension last September. Obviously, things have taken a turn between the 25-year-old quarterback and his organization.
Meanwhile, we’re now starting to hear some noise from Green Bay that longtime Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could want out following their elimination at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last weekend’s NFC Championship Game. While Green Bay’s brass has pushed back against trading the 37-year-old likely MVP, Rodgers hasn’t done much to quash said rumors.
These are just two of a plethora of quarterbacks who could be traded during the offseason. We also now have some information as it relates to the market for each Pro Bowl signal caller.
Read More: 4 most realistic Deshaun Watson trade offers
NFL rumors suggest Deshaun Watson trade could set the market for Aaron Rodgers
“A Watson trade could help set the market as well, but the expectation is that the Texans would be able to land more than what Rodgers is worth given that Watson is 12 years younger,” ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported recently.
Demovsky also noted that those around the NFL don’t yet believe Rodgers is on the trade block. But there’s a belief in league circles that teams would be willing to yield either a first-round pick or a second and third-round selection for the future Hall of Famer.
What does this all mean? If Green Bay were forced to trade Aaron Rodgers, the thinking is that the team would wait for a Deshaun Watson blockbuster to be worked out. It would take one less top-end quarterback off the market and could up the ante as it relates to trade offers. As Demovsky reported, Rodgers is not going to net as much as Watson in a trade simply because of the age difference.
In terms of short-term, the comparisons between these two quarterbacks are there.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Texans, check out #WeAreTexans rumors, rankings and news here.
Deshaun Watson 2020 stats
- 70.2% completion, 5,267 total yards, 36 total touchdowns and seven interceptions
Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards during the regular season despite a less-than-stellar supporting cast and with his head coach being fired midway through the campaign. Watson was also sacked a resounding 49 times.
Aaron Rodgers 2020 stats
- 70.7% completion, 4,448 total yards, 51 total touchdowns and five interceptions
Even at 37 years old, Rodgers has proven himself to be one of the top-two quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, the former Super Bowl winner is coming off a career-best season that saw him lead the league in completion percentage, touchdown passes and quarterback rating.
If both Watson and Rodgers were actually traded, teams would have to weigh the otherworldly cost it would take to acquire Watson. Some NFL rumors point to a Herschel Walker type return. Read about that historic trade here.
As for Rodgers, he’d be a shorter-term option and would cost less than his younger counterpart. With that said, there’s no signs that the future first ballot Hall of Famer is slowing down.
Read More: NFL rumors: 5 ideal Aaron Rodgers trade scenarios
Expect NFL rumors to pick up as it relates to Watson, Rodgers and other top-end quarterbacks potentially being available in trades this offseason. That includes Detroit Lions signal caller Matthew Stafford. However, the Watson situation might be the first one to drop.