Yahoo Finance Former teammate says Deshaun Watson 'is interested in landing' with the Broncos
A new contender has emerged for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Denver Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson says he’s spoken to Watson a couple times, and that Watson “is interested in landing” with the Broncos.
Jackson, who played with Watson for two seasons on the Texans, was pretty open about his conversations with Watson, telling TMZ, “I’ve had a couple conversations with [Watson]. Just with him saying that Denver is a place that he’s interested in landing.”
Jackson spoke highly of Watson’s ability, saying he would make any team an instant contender. Jackson also made sure he didn’t insult the Broncos’ current quarterback, saying he’s high on Drew Lock and believes Lock can lead the team moving forward.
What would the Broncos give up for Deshaun Watson?
The Broncos would likely be at a disadvantage in trade talks for Watson. While the team has the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, it only has one first-round pick. Both the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets can offer two first-round picks in 2021.
If the Dolphins and Jets decide to pass, however, the Broncos could become an intriguing option. The team would likely have to offer multiple draft picks, including two or three first-round picks for Watson. On top of that, the Broncos would likely have to send Lock — and potentially another player — to the Texans for Watson. Whether that’s a strong enough offer depends on how new Texans general manager Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley feel about Lock. Do they like Lock more than Sam Darnold, Tua Tagovailoa or any of the other young quarterbacks that will be offered in exchange for Watson?
Will the Texans trade Deshaun Watson?
While Watson is trying to force a trade, Caserio and Culley have indicated they want Watson to stick around. In January, Caserio said he had “zero interest” in dealing Watson. The quarterback responded to that by taking Texans mentions out of his social media profiles. The two reportedly haven’t talked since Caserio was hired.
The Texans don’t have to deal Watson, as he’s under contract with the team through the 2025 season. But if Watson makes it clear he’s not going to play for the team, Caserio may have no other choice. He would be wise to start scouting other young quarterbacks now, because the situation with Watson looks unsalvageable at the moment.
More from Yahoo Sports:
