Growing discontent between Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans has made some sort of trade increasingly likely. If a swap does go down, the Miami Dolphins have been highlighted as a potential partner.
There is just one problem: Houston’s assessment of current Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who would presumably be a central piece of any deal, is not great.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans don’t view Tagovailoa as a sufficient replacement for a generational talent like Watson.
“Miami has a quarterback with upside in Tua Tagovailoa, but that could be a deal-breaker for the Texans,” he wrote.
“Tagovailoa isn’t regarded as a quarterback the Texans will view as an adequate replacement for Watson, according to multiple league sources.”
Back when Tiger didn’t know how to get women, MJ gave him a 6-word pick-up line that changed everything. https://t.co/OTz84sZ7vY
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 19, 2021
This past season, Tagovailoa threw for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns. Unfortunately, inconsistency plagued him from start to finish – culminating in a terrible three-interception showing during the final game of the season versus the Buffalo Bills.
On multiple occasions throughout the second half of the year, Miami head coach Brian Flores would insert Ryan Fitzpatrick into the game to salvage late-game situations.
After the season ended, several Dolphins players came out and mercilessly bashed Tagovailoa’s skills to the media.
The Ravens kept it real after Lamar Jackson’s latest playoff flop. https://t.co/zmz16PZho1
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 17, 2021
Given all that, it’s not particularly surprising that the Texans wouldn’t want to give up the best player on the roster for a questionable prospect.
At this juncture, we know exactly what Houston expects in any potential deal for Watson. We also know what Watson’s preferred destination is. Plus, it’s public knowledge that two teams are heavy favorites to land the former Clemson standout, and that three ‘sleeper’ squads are chomping at the bit behind them.
Where will Watson ultimately be playing come the beginning of the 2021-22 season? Time will tell.
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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.