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Odds on Deshaun Watson’s Next Team if Quarterback Is Traded – Dolphins Favored, Patriots a Top Contender

Robert Duff

by Robert Duff in NFL Football

Updated Jan 12, 2021 · 1:15 PM PST

Deshaun Watson
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) carries the ball on a run during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
  • A speculative prop wager is offering odds on which NFL teams could be contenders if the Houston Texans trade QB Deshaun Watson
  • Watson, it should be noted, hasn’t formally requested a trade, However, the QB is continuing to express his concern over decisions being made with the football operations of the club
  • See the odds on all teams in a potential Watson sweepstakes below

So far, Deshaun Watson hasn’t publicly expressed a desire for a divorce from the Houston Texans. On the other hand, he’s really not impressed with how the marriage counselling sessions between him and the team are progressing.

Nonetheless, there’s already a prop wager on offer suggesting possible destinations for Watson should the Texans opt to trade their disgruntled franchise quarterback.

Clearly, there’s been another fracture in the relationship between Watson and Texans management. In the past, these were mere hairline cracks that easily healed. The latest shattering is a horrific break on the level of Alex Smith.

If Watson is to be on the move, the Miami Dolphins are listed as his favored landing place. The Fins are given +215 odds of acquiring the dynamic QB.

Odds on Deshaun Watson’s Next Team NFL Team if Traded

Team Odds
Miami Dolphins +215
New England Patriots +325
New York Jets +450
Chicago Bears +550
San Francisco 49ers +850
Indianapolis Colts +900
Washington Football Team +1000
Philadelphia Eagles +1400
New Orleans Saints +2000
Detroit Lions +2100
Pittsburgh Steelers +2100
Atlanta Falcons +2800
New York Giants +3500

Odds as of Jan. 12th

Watson led the NFL in passing yardage (4,823). He ended up establishing a career-high for touchdown passes (33) and a career-low for interceptions (seven).

Houston Has a Problem

Watson’s had a burr in his saddle regarding the way the Texans make football decisions for at least a year. He was extremely unhappy when the team opted to trade All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last offseason.

There was no consultation between Watson and Texans management prior to the consummation of the deal.

After Houston’s firing of coach-GM Bill O’Brien, Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair dined with Watson in November. According to published reports, Watson recommended that the team look into a pair of minority candidates for the GM’s position in ESPN analyst Louis Riddick and Pittsburgh Steelers vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan.

Instead, McNair ended up hiring Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, supposedly without interviewing either of Watson’s suggestions.

Allegedly, Watson is currently declining to accept or return calls from McNair.

Dolphins Do Make Sense

If the damage done is beyond repair and Watson eventually asks out of Houston, Miami makes sense for a lot of reasons. The Dolphins could put together a handsome package to send to the Texans in return for Watson.

Certainly, the key to any offer would have to include Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa coming to Houston. He would give the Texans a player to assemble their future around.

Perhaps Houston can get back its 2021 first round draft pick (third overall) that was dealt to Miami in the 2019 Laremy Tunsil trade. The Texans could potentially use that pick to re-unite Tagovailoa with his old Alabama teammate, Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

From Watson’s perspective, he’d be leaving a team in decline. Houston went 4-12 this season, one year after winning the AFC South title.

Miami is on the rise, with an impressive head coach in Brian Flores. Last season, the Dolphins were 5-11. This year, Miami went 10-6, missing out on postseason play by one game.

Other Potential Watson Suitors

The New York Jets could include QB Sam Darnold in a package for Watson, or possibly the #2 overall pick in the 2021 Draft – or maybe both.

It’s much harder to make a case that Houston would want Mitch Trubisky from Chicago. There might be a case to be made for Jimmy Garoppolo from San Francisco, though.

There’s been speculation connecting Watson to the New England Patriots for almost a year. Teams such as New Orleans, Washington, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis all figure to be in the QB market sooner rather than later. Still, it’s difficult to envision a package that any could part with that would capable of filling the void left in Houston by Watson’s departure.

If Watson is going to take his talents away from Houston, the most logical destination is South Beach.

Pick: Miami Dophins (+215).

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