Will Deshaun Watson ask for a trade?

The Texans suggested listening to quarterback Deshaun Watson when hiring a coach. But what if they ultimately don’t hire the person they’d like to be coached by?

Rumors are already circulating, and we’ve heard them from several different people, that Watson has quietly discussed with his teammates the possibility of requesting a trade. If that happens, it may just be a strategic effort to ensure that his views are respected by the property. Either way, it raises the stakes and crosses a bridge and potentially lays the groundwork for Watson to ultimately decide he would like to continue his career elsewhere.

We can already hear the reaction. “He just signed a new contract, the cap would be overwhelming!“

Take a look at the contract. Swapping it would incur a capitalization charge of $ 21.6 million. The transport of Herschel-sized draft pick that a Deshaun Watson trade would generate would be more than justified.

It’s too early to think about where it might be traded. It’s not too early to put together a list of teams that would likely claim him. The Patriots, Steelers, Colts, Raiders, Broncos, Washington, Eagles, Bears, Lions, Saints, Panthers, Falcons, Buccaneers (if Tom Brady is one and finished) and 49ers are the most obvious.

Other teams who on the surface don’t need a quarterback would be wise to at least consider the possibility of an upgrade.

As the Texans decide their next coach (and it will likely be someone represented by Bob LaMonte, for reasons that will be addressed later today), keep an eye out for the possibility of Watson responding by letting it be known in private, and possibly publicly, that he’s ready to move on and go.