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The 2021 NFL playoffs have not even completed its first weekend, and we already have a major storyline to look forward to in the coming offseason. Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is not pleased with the direction of the organization and there has been speculation he could demand a trade.
We have our first bit of trade speculation via Chris Mortensen, and it’s fitting it comes during the NFL’s self-proclaimed Super Wild Card weekend, because it’s super wild. Mort is reporting Watson would consider a trade to the Miami Dolphins in a package that sends Tua Tagovailoa back to Houston.
Whether or not the Texans actually trade Watson could prove to be a fairly simple analysis. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and teams don’t trade elite quarterbacks in their prime. Watson signed a $156 million contract extension last September and the salary cap mechanics are their own issue. But regardless of the contract, teams just don’t trade elite quarterbacks.
However, the speculation is not going to end anytime soon. Watson has a no-trade clause, so that will potentially help limit some of the rumors, but for the time being, the Dolphins will not be the last team mentioned in connection with the star QB. Even if nothing ends up happening, this topic will not go away in the short term.