Even if they did, the trade could have been voided because trades were not official until last week. After the allegations were first filed.
I get the frustration, and if Deshaun was 36 instead of 26, that's probably what they would've done. But to say that the Texans should've gotten rid of him, because he's now got almost 30 women accusing him of sexual misconduct is a little unfair to the Texans. Because their approach of "wait and see" could've very well turned into an historic draft night haul.
Sure - I was kind of kidding about the "but it the Texans" in this case. It's certainly just bad luck here. But the "historic draft night haul" happens simply because draft night is the deadline. After that, teams make decisions for their franchises and the demand for a trade goes down. But there's nothing that says the deadline has to be draft night. If the Texans say "we're trading him Saturday", that's the deadline. You skip all the time lag and everyone has to put in their best offer ASAP. It's not like the Jets are going to value him more in April than in January - they just offer less early on if they know they have time and can keep going back and forth. An early deadline forces the issue but can be just as effective, especially if a team panics knowing they have to make a decision immediately. Plus, it gives teams less of a chance to go find another QB (like Stafford or Wentz or now these trades for top picks) - and no one has signed any free agents that eat up their cap space. That meaning every team looking for a QB is still interested at that point and can work with their roster to make it happen. And frankly, if the Texans didn't like any of the offers they got through that ploy, they could always just say "we changed our mind - sorry!". They'd take a bit of a PR hit but otherwise no real harm. Instead, from what we know, the Texans *didn't even accept any phone calls about Watson*. That's where they were stupid - not even entertaining the idea of a trade.
If they got the #2 pick from the Jets or the #3 pick from Miami as part of the deal, then possibly yes. They'd also be paying the potential franchise QB a rookie salary while they rebuild instead of $40MM. And they'd have a few extra top picks to help rebuild the franchise that was gutted by the last set of leadership trading all their elite players for pennies on the dollar. As it is, assuming Watson has played his last game for the Texans and his value has tanked, they have neither a franchise QB or any picks to get one or build a team around.
What don't y'all understand? If they Traded Watson in January, the Trade still could have been voided because they allegation came out before the Trade was official.
There's no way the Jets or the Dolphins would trade for Watson right now. And if they are still offering a good haul, the Texans should just say yes. Let's move on.
If they are smart (HA) they will still get a huge draft day hall next year or just keep him. He will be playing again either this year or next.
Has anybody actually got confirmation that they were offering everything that is being suggested? The Jets GM is on record saying you build teams for sustained success via the draft and good cap management, two things a Watson trade would immediately hinder. The Dolphins probably could have done something on paper... until they publicity committed to Tua, well before the massage scandal regarding Watson broke. I suspected the main teams that would be making a push were the Panthers, Bears, and maybe 49ers.... and who knows, the 49ers move up to #3 does open a few more doors there than before... but not with all this going on now.
This. (Excluding events of the massage scandal) Some think Watson’s value somehow goes south if he sits out a year... whereas there could be more viable candidates who are desperate enough trade with than there are currently. Not to mention the Texans should be awful this year (if Watson isn’t playing) and be in position to have a top 3 pick even without a return on Watson. And if Watson sets the precedent that anybody franchise player can be traded, regardless of timing of extension, there now will conceivably be disgruntled QB’s out there in future off-seasons, if they don’t like what’s available via the draft.
Who knows if they were posturing or not. Hard to say when the Texans kept saying "Watson is our QB," through their mouthpiec---- errr head coach, Culley.
Deshaun killed his own trade value. Texans are now one of his victims.....lol. Watson needs the Texans now. He needs their help, for better or worse, in the PR department.
I'd be fine to keep Watson. Assuming he did nothing criminal. That's the outcome we all wanted, before all of this craziness, isn't it?
All I know is if Watson is suspended for an extended period of time the Texans better find a way to recoup some of that 27 million.
Who the hell would want Watson as the face of their franchise right now? An "alleged" serial predator in a #metoo world...yikes. Good luck getting anything of value for this dude.