Last week the Detroit Lions traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in return for Jared Goff and a sizeable amount of draft capital. In doing so, they kickstarted what could potentially turn into a very frantic few months.
In giving up two first round picks, a third round pick and Goff for Stafford, Los Angeles essentially set the value floor for a high-caliber passer.
This could have massive ramifications for both Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans and Derek Carr of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Watson has made it no secret that he wants to play elsewhere next season, and a recently proposed trade could both grant him that wish and radically change the way two divisions look come the 2021-22 season.
As noted by Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, there is a very feasible three-team deal out there that would center around the Raiders dealing Carr for assets, and then using said assets to acquire Watson.
“There is a flip side to the season Carr just produced,” Bonsignore wrote. “Increased demand for his services, insiders say, could create a scenario in which a three-team trade allows the Raiders to acquire Watson.
“For that to happen, the Raiders would have to receive two first-round picks for Carr from a team other than the Texans, which they would then package with their own first-rounders in 2021 and 2022 to present a compelling offer of four first-round picks to the Texans for Watson, who has reportedly asked be traded.”
After some doubt about his long-term viability as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, Carr came out and had a very solid campaign last year. He ultimately finished with 4,103 yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions through 16 games.
The Bucks owner’s daughter decided to bring 2021 in with a bang by stripping all her clothes off. https://t.co/UgzhEEna4o
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 7, 2021
If ever there was a time to sell high on the 29-year-old, this is it.
“Among the clubs that could get involved are the Colts, Bears, Patriots and the Washington Football Team,” Bonsignore continued. “Depending on what happens in New Orleans, the Saints could be potential suitors as well.”
If the Raiders could find a third team to offload Carr onto, they could very quickly become serious players in the Deshaun Watson Sweepstakes.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ reaction to Jordyn Woods’ Buss It video speaks for itself.
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 26, 2021
As things currently stand, there are two very legit suitors for Watson’s services. Beyond that, three “sleeper” teams are floating in the background, hoping that they can sneak in at the last moment and steal him away.
A massive four-team trade involving Watson and Aaron Rodgers has also been proposed, but it remains unclear how viable it is at this juncture.
One way or another, it appears to be a virtual certainty that Watson isn’t long for Houston. Where he will ultimately end up, and how it impacts the Raiders, remains to be seen.
Related: 1 Team Deshaun Watson Refuses To Go To
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
