The elusive Deshaun Watson is the last remaining quarterback with a chance to be drafted into the NFL before college football’s National Signing Day. Teams are still debating whether he can learn enough on-the-job, or if his skills will translate well in an already crowded field of quarterbacks.
Despite the “deshaun watson released” being on the front page of every news outlet, NFL insider still claim they want him.
At the scouting combine this week, the Philadelphia Eagles went all out for quarterback Jalen Hurts. When questioned about the future of their starting quarterback position and if Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson were being considered, both GM Howie Roseman and HC Nick Sirianni reaffirmed their conviction in Hurts as Philadelphia’s long-term solution.
From the outside, it seems like the Eagles are fully committed to Hurts as their potential franchise quarterback.
Roseman, on the other hand, isn’t renowned for his candor. If Watson’s legal status allows it, the Eagles are anticipated to make a run at him this summer, according to at least one significant NFL insider.
According to Albert Breer of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles will pursue Deshaun Watson.
Brett Carlsen/Getty Images/Deshaun Watson
NFL insider Albert Breer was asked to explain Watson’s condition with the Houston Texans in a Sports Illustrated mailbag story. The entire thing is a bit of a shambles. Watson’s off-the-field legal concerns have yet to be resolved, and the Texans are allegedly demanding a large sum of money in exchange for their star quarterback.
It’s tough to envision Watson being sold for anything of value until his legal concerns are resolved.
With that stated, according to Breer, if Watson becomes available this season, the Eagles and Denver Broncos will be among the clubs to make a strong run at him.
In terms of where he ends up, I feel the Broncos and Eagles would both be strong contenders, depending on how a couple other factors play out (the availability of Rodgers and Russell Wilson, etc.). I imagine the Panthers will attempt to re-enter the race as well, and it’s difficult to rule out a dark horse or two (Cleveland? Tampa?). We should have more information shortly.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer
Why would the Eagles give up on Jalen Hurts in exchange for Deshaun Watson?
Jalen Hurts is a rising star with far less baggage than Watson. He led the NFL in quarterback running yards at 23 years old and helped the Eagles reach the playoffs.
We can’t, however, overlook Howie Roseman’s track record. He’s known in the NFL for his brash demeanor and passion with bettering the quarterback position. He is, after all, the guy who created the term “quarterback factory.”
Roseman moved up to No. 2 overall in the 2016 draft to choose Carson Wentz, only weeks after re-signing Sam Bradford to a new contract. In addition, Roseman traded Wentz for 2020 draft selections and replaced him with Hurts. The Eagles’ general manager has a history of trading quarterbacks like it’s a game of chance.
Watson has allegedly been a target for the Philadelphia Eagles since the summer of 2021. Hurts did have a solid first-year start. Roseman’s bad playoff performance, on the other hand, is sure to leave a sour taste in his mouth. It’s safe to infer he’s still interested in Watson as a replacement and upgrade option.
Howie Roseman isn’t under any obligation to make a choice right now.
When questioned about Deshaun Watson, Howie Roseman said:
“We have Jalen Hurts” #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 2, 2022
Because of their three first-round selections, the Eagles are under a lot of pressure this summer to make a huge move at quarterback. Roseman, on the other hand, isn’t hesitant to do some wheeling and dealing on draft day. It’s logical for him to trade back once or twice, building up future wealth in the process.
Roseman gives himself another complete season to study Hurts while being engaged in the Watson market by shifting at least one of his first-round selections to 2023.
The Eagles will still be free to pursue Watson if he becomes available at the trade deadline or throughout next year’s offseason, as Breer says.
In any case, there’s still a lot of smoke tying Philadelphia to Watson and Russell, despite what Roseman and Sirianni claimed during their news appearances. This seems to be a still-developing tale.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
The Dolphins’ decision to release Deshaun Watson reveals their true feelings about Tua Tagovailoa. RELATED: The Dolphins’ Decision to Release Deshaun Watson Reveals Their True Feelings About Tua Tagovailoa
The “deshaun watson trade patriots” is a rumor that has been going around for a while. The NFL Insider still claims they want the quarterback from Clemson, but he won’t be traded to them.
Related Tags
- deshaun watson trade
- deshaun watson trade odds
- deshaun watson trade giants
- deshaun watsondolphins
- nfl news watson
