I've been pounding the same drum that the Texans have as much leverage as Watson does. They can simply let him sit and eat the fines if he won't accept a trade that's good for the organization but might not fit what he wants. People shouldn't underestimate that as an option. The new CBA makes holdouts very difficult for the player to stomach.
I think there is good chance of Deshaun Watson being a Jet. Both sides have been playing hardball quietly, and now Watson is doing it loudly. The Texans next move is loud hardball. If Watson triples down, the Texans will probably pull the trigger. It will be an interesting battle of wills.
The trade package not being equitable for the franchise if the Jets won't give them what they want is certainly a good reason why he might not be moved here.
I know this looks like the Jets and Dolphins are the favorites as they have what it takes to get this deal done. I just hope the Pats don't find a way into this. You know Bill will be looking into it.
I truly do not believe the Dolphins are in this anymore. One, they have the #3 pick, which is behind the Jets #2. Two, they just hired a QB coach who has a history with Tua. Three, the Texans would need to agree to trade back for the pick they gave Miami when they traded for Tunsil. I just think there is so many negatives against them, I do not see it happening.
They are already taking enough heat for all the past stuff plus now this hire, dont they do that to their fans sure its an option but likely the last resort
I hope you are right about Miami as that would make the Jets the favorites. As for Tua I don't see it. I don't think he has the arm strength to make all the throws an NFL QB has to make.
One scenario: Texans, Watson, & NFL at large can't get it done. Texans keep Watson for 2021. Jets stick with Sam for 2021. Jets use their premium draft capital to team build plus push another 1st round pick to 2022 (like trading down from #2 to #7). Jets trade three 2022 1st's for Watson. Edit: (How'd I forget)....2023 Jets win SB Dbl edit: Tom Brady become FA in 2022, so maybe replace Watson chatter with Brady chatter!
Texans dont have any leverage. hold out or not, you can't try and play a season with your QB and team leader wanting out. That's a disaster. They also desperately need draft picks. Watson has them by the short hairs and will absolutely get his wish for a trade.
You are right in theory. There are two keys to the situation that will diminish the Texans position if they occur. First one is if Watson continues to publicly embarrass Cal McNair personally. Second is if they believe he would retire. How do the Texans field a football team in 2021 with no Watson, no cap space, and no draft picks? If you can give me any answer at QB for them I’ll be amazed. I believe the question is not who has more legal or financial leverage, because that is certainly the Texans, but actually who is more prepared to go 365 days? Keep in mind Deshaun Watson has earned over $40 million already in his career, so he can afford to push the limit. The CBA fines are designed designed to stop players from holding out for new contracts, meaning that money is a major issue for that player. I know there are a lot of earnings left on the table for Watson, but in theory say he calls their bluff and retires in March. The cash stacks up much faster as an active player, but you and I both know $40 million is plenty of money to start your own businesses, and have your family set for life. How the hell do the Texans justify to their fans that they let the 3rd or 4th most valuable asset in the NFL go for nothing because they were stubborn?
If a team decides to waste an entire year by letting their star sit out rather than immediately start the rebuild, they are an unbelievably terribly run organization.
I think the better match is with Miami. They can trade picks and a QB and still have a playoff team. We trade away our picks, we have Watson and........?
The beautiful part in theory for the Jets is that Watson apparently is open to being traded to them AND they can assemble the best asset package (while also holding a shit-ton of cap room). I'm not optimistic that it'll actually happen, but at the very least it doesn't feel like a pipedream - we don't NEED Watson to say "Jets or nowhere" in order to even have a shot at acquiring him. The NY Jets are objectively one of the best positioned teams to make this trade and satisfy the Texans.
I agree Jets are ahead, no questions about it for the reasons you gave, but they are not out of it. If Miami throws extra first round pick, Texans might agree to take a 3d overall over 2nd. However, if offers are remotely similar though, Jets do have an upper hand, and I also think Texans would ask the Jets to match the best Miami offer, because of the reasons you mentioned, so JD would have a last say.
Hmmmm....not so sure. MOST fans anywhere would NOT hold it against a team for failing to ship out their top FQB. If Texans go thumbs down on a trade, Watson will have little choice but to saddle up. Put up great #s again, then shoot for 2022.
