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Should we trade Watson?

Should we trade Watson?

  • Yes, without a doubt.

  • Yes, depending on compensation (please list your trade scenario).

  • No, never.

  • No, unless he plays hardball and sits.


Results are only viewable after voting.
No one wants to trade for Cooks bloated contract. The Texans save the exact same amount of cap space by cutting Cooks. Sending Mercilus or Cobb's contracts in trade would be very beneficial to the Texans, however.
Except for the fact that the Jets have a void at WR and are talking about signing free agent Allen Robinson for considerably more than what Cooks is making.
Mike Renner on Twitter: "Brandin Cooks is only the 2nd player in NFL history with 1,000+ yard receiving season with 4 different teams and is only 27 years old We don't talk enough about how insane that is" / Twitter
 

Panthers clearing cap space, want to make a run at Deshaun Watson

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 20, 2021, 7:51 AM EST


The Panthers have cut several players this month, creating some cap space that they’d love to spend on Deshaun Watson.
Carolina’s moves in the last week have cleared nearly $20 million in cap space, which would be enough to absorb Watson’s 2021 cap hit, and the Panthers plan to make a run at Watson if the Texans make him available in a trade, David Newton of ESPN reports. (That is an actual report, although ESPN has given it less attention than the “bold prediction” that the Panthers’ offer would be Christian McCaffrey and three first-round draft picks.)

The phrasing of the report — the Panthers will make a run at Watson if the Texans make him available — is almost identical to a previous report that the Broncos will make an offer for Watson if the Texans make him available. That suggests that multiple teams are waiting around for the Texans to say Watson is on the trading block, and then they’ll pull the trigger on a big offer when and if the Texans give them the go-ahead.

But if you want Watson and think you can make a credible offer for him, why wait? Why not call the Texans now and let them know you’re willing to part with a significant number of draft picks and/or players to get Watson? The worst the Texans can tell you is no. In a best-case scenario, it may begin the process of your team acquiring one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Watson wants to be traded, and the Texans are saying publicly that they won’t trade him. But there’s likely some trade package good enough that the Texans would make the move. Teams like the Broncos and Panthers appear ready to make those offers.
 
no I’m saying if you get two first and a player from each team then I’m going with the one that has Wilson.
so Wilson at #2, #23 and player like Q Williams vs tua, #3 and #18. I take the one with Wilson.
yeah that's my conundrum also. I just think that Wilson is going to be that good. Somewhere perhaps This Thread I did a comparison for a Jet fan who stated that only New York can make a offer for Deshaun.

In a a trade of vets I had Jets offering CB Xavien Howard plus Tu'a plus 1.3, 1.18, 2.35 and 2.50

Jets: Q Williams +1.2 and 1.23 and 2.35.

TBH I would jump on either. I guess in my fantasy I would prefer the Jets offer and trading with Miami for Howard as a separate situation. I think his abilities will be worth his cost.
 
I'm right there with you. It's Jets and what they got from Seattle for Jamal Adams PLUS Jets 1st RD picks in 2021, 2022 and 2nd RD picks in 2021, 2022 and I throw in Brandin Cooks for good measure. That's 4 1st, 2 2nds and 1 3rd = 7 total picks.
As of now the Jets do not have two second-round picks this year. Of course you may be hoping that Sam darnold will bring one. I do like your thinking!
 
Except for the fact that the Jets have a void at WR and are talking about signing free agent Allen Robinson for considerably more than what Cooks is making.
Mike Renner on Twitter: "Brandin Cooks is only the 2nd player in NFL history with 1,000+ yard receiving season with 4 different teams and is only 27 years old We don't talk enough about how insane that is" / Twitter

So? Like I said, including Cooks doesn’t really help the Texans. Forcing a bad contract like Mercilus into the trade would help the Texans.
 
Except for the fact that the Jets have a void at WR and are talking about signing free agent Allen Robinson for considerably more than what Cooks is making.
Mike Renner on Twitter: "Brandin Cooks is only the 2nd player in NFL history with 1,000+ yard receiving season with 4 different teams and is only 27 years old We don't talk enough about how insane that is" / Twitter

Personally, I would not be so quick to throw away Cooks. He is the best WR on the Texans under contract for 2021. Has shown that (if healthy) he can thrive in a variety of situations, should have several productive seasons left, and if my memory is correct Cooks is a friend of Jack. No need in weakening another position, imo.
 
How bout we throw in Mercilus instead and call it a deal ?!
If you could get the Jets to bite I'm all for it. I can't see Jets wanting to pay $40MM for an over 30 who is just an average ER. They could very likely find better production in free agency for half the cost.
Whitney Mercilus | Houston Texans ED | NFL and PFF stats | PFF

As of now the Jets do not have two second-round picks this year. Of course you may be hoping that Sam darnold will bring one. I do like your thinking!
In my post I said Jets 2nd RD picks in 2021, 2022

So? Like I said, including Cooks doesn’t really help the Texans. Forcing a bad contract like Mercilus into the trade would help the Texans.
I just don't think you will get Jets to agree to a ER who is past his prime and can find better production in FA for half the price of what they would have to pay Mercilus. I can see them wanting Cooks who is familiar with DW4 and cost less money than WM.

Personally, I would not be so quick to throw away Cooks. He is the best WR on the Texans under contract for 2021. Has shown that (if healthy) he can thrive in a variety of situations, should have several productive seasons left, and if my memory is correct Cooks is a friend of Jack. No need in weakening another position, imo.
If you're doing a full house cleaning sometimes you've to bite the bullitt and Cooks gives you the best salary cap relief. The Texans have a weak roster, over the cap and have no draft capital. Drastic measures are required to fix all of the above. Cooks dramatically helps with two of those. Keeping Cooks will not be a difference maker in 2021 and 2022.
 
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That's correct. Cooks is going nowhere.

If we buy the influence of Jack E. then I am looking for cooks to be extended this off-season much not traded.

Under practical reality that I might not like but maybe important; if Jack is around there has to be players who are in good graces with the guy on the roster.
 
In what league would a concussion prone WR with $39 million left on his deal become a deal breaker?
This league: Mike Renner on Twitter: "Brandin Cooks is only the 2nd player in NFL history with 1,000+ yard receiving season with 4 different teams and is only 27 years old We don't talk enough about how insane that is" / Twitter

Not to mention they would've to pay considerably more for Allen Robinson.

The Jets are getting a franchise QB. That's the price of playing poker.
And the Jets call your bluff, "For the seven picks discussed, It's DW4 and Cooks or it's no deal, take it or leave it"
 
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My starting point is #2 this year.

We assume TL is going 1:1

Who do the Jets take if they are on the outside looking in on Watson ? .... Probably Zach Wilson and that's the guy I want to replace Watson.


I better get that and more.

Consider I'm losing a top 8 QB and paying 20% of his salary in each of the next 4 years.

If Ramsey and Tunsil were worth 2 #1's , a top tier QB on a bargain contract is worth 4#1's plus.

If some are thinking that Zach Wilson may very well be the best QB1 in the draft and the only reason Lawrence is ahead of him is b/c of the media pressure. Texans were in the same boat with Clowney. Anyhow, why would the Jets give up Zach Wilson and his affordable 5 year rookie contract for Watson.....especially if he's the can't miss prospect many are suggesting and taking into consideration the cost the Jets would have to make in this trade?

On top of selecting Wilson, the Jets could move Darnold for another reasonably good pick or just keep him until the trade deadline when they just might get more for him then than what they're likely to get now.
 
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My starting point is #2 this year.

We assume TL is going 1:1

Who do the Jets take if they are on the outside looking in on Watson ? .... Probably Zach Wilson and that's the guy I want to replace Watson.


I better get that and more.

Consider I'm losing a top 8 QB and paying 20% of his salary in each of the next 4 years.

If Ramsey and Tunsil were worth 2 #1's , a top tier QB on a bargain contract is worth 4#1's plus.

Be prepared to be disappointed.

The best the Texans can hope for is going to be something like two 1sts, two 2nd and a upper level player. It will be less if it's the Jets at #2. I dont think Douglas wants to trade that many assets for DW4.
 
I believe he is also a friend of DW4. Given a choice of staying with Easterby or going with DW4, I think DW4 wins out. Also not sure Cooks would want to stay in Houston if DW4 leaves.

Cooks's opinion doesn't matter. if the Texans want Cooks to be a Texans he will be for the next three years. I lean towards the Texans to keep a productive, but non-true difference-maker over including him in a trade. There are football and organizational reasons for this opinion.
 
If some are thinking that Zach Wilson may very well be the best QB1 in the draft and the only reason Lawrence is ahead of him is b/c of the media pressure. Texans were in the same boat with Clowney. Anyhow, why would the Jets give up Zach Wilson and his affordable 5 year rookie contract for Watson.....especially if he's the can't miss prospect many are suggesting he is and it's going to cost the Jets dearly to make the trade?

On top of selecting Wilson, the Jets could move Darnold for another reasonably good pick or just keep him until the trade deadline when they just might get more for him then than what they're likely to get now.

Exactly
 
If some are thinking that Zach Wilson may very well be the best QB1 in the draft and the only reason Lawrence is ahead of him is b/c of the media pressure. Texans were in the same boat with Clowney. Anyhow, why would the Jets give up Zach Wilson and his affordable 5 year rookie contract for Watson.....especially if he's the can't miss prospect many are suggesting he is and it's going to cost the Jets dearly to make the trade?

On top of selecting Wilson, the Jets could move Darnold for another reasonably good pick or just keep him until the trade deadline when they just might get more for him then than what they're likely to get now.

Because of desperation. Plus Watson is already established along with being a top 5 quarterback and some could argue a top 10 player.
 
In what league would a concussion prone WR with $39 million left on his deal become a deal breaker?

That's a slanted statement when you fail to mention his 2020 production. Remember the, "what have you done for me lately"?

15 Games / 81 Catches / 1,150 Yards / 14.2 YPC / 6 TD

There are more than a few teams who would take this production when you consider his production was within the same offensive system Watson was operating. Better offense probably yields even better results.
 
If some are thinking that Zach Wilson may very well be the best QB1 in the draft and the only reason Lawrence is ahead of him is b/c of the media pressure.
IMO, it's the opposite. Lawrence is getting some negative comments from the peanut gallery due to prospect fatigue. He's been in so many big games, Trevor is getting picked apart. Wilson has never been in a big game, and is not getting as heavily scrutinized. I don't know if there is ever a can't miss prospect. But if there is, it's Lawrence, not Wilson.
 
There are more than a few teams who would take this production when you consider his production was within the same offensive system Watson was operating.
Not sure I understand that last bit. Just saying, Cooks is not essential to any, and I mean any, Watson deal.
 
Personally, I would not be so quick to throw away Cooks. He is the best WR on the Texans under contract for 2021. Has shown that (if healthy) he can thrive in a variety of situations, should have several productive seasons left, and if my memory is correct Cooks is a friend of Jack. No need in weakening another position, imo.
Nobody salivating over trading Watson is concerned with winning in the near future. Definitely not 2021.

It’s all about three years or further.
 

I said that things have gotten better since then that was my rebuttal.

Still also like I said, I showed some QB's that were available outside of the 1st rd that would've been excelent to develop under Kubiak.

The fact that Keenum/Yates were brought up as examples of developmental franchise QB's is just being argumentative.
 
Because of desperation. Plus Watson is already established along with being a top 5 quarterback and some could argue a top 10 player.

The Jets are in the same boat talent and need wise as the Texans......maybe worse. The Jets aren't just a QB1 away from being special. The Jets would have to give up too much draft capital to obtain Watson. Also, his new contract could cripple them going forward if their draft assets were given to the Texans come 2022 and they haven't been able to address the holes in their lineup in 2021.

I mentioned this before....if Watson goes to the Jets, the only thing changing for him is the color of his jersey.
 
Nobody salivating over trading Watson is concerned with winning in the near future. Definitely not 2021.

It’s all about three years or further.

True. Cooks isn't probably isn't adding or subtracting too much either way. With no dead money, he can be traded or cut any of those years when you need the salary cap. 2021, if you not concerned with winning, is not the time you have to get him off the books (assuming I reading his contract situation correctly).
 
Yep, that’s why it’s being reported that they’re getting rid of players to clear cap space.

I think that's the Panthers who are dumping contracts to create the cap space to bring Watson in. Panthers could be a nice landing spot for Watson but I'm concerned about the package they could put together to make this trade happen.

I see the Jets drafting either Zach Wilson or Trevor Lawrence (if the Jags go with Wilson) and using their draft assets to begin building a team around their new Franchise QB1.

Miami is still the best option for both parties. Watson goes to a team that is truly a QB1 away from competing with the Bills and a possible AFC title. They have the requisite draft capital and veteran players to create a package that the Texans would have a hard time saying no to. Of course, the Miami trade takes the Texans out of the Wilson/Lawrence derby but in an enviable position nonetheless. If the Texans want to move back....they probably could since I see any team still wanting a QB could move up and have the 3rd QB of the draft.

Any other team wanting to get in on the Watson sweepstakes should probably be prepared to give up RD1 picks in 2021, 22, 23, & 24 along with RD2 pick in 2021 and 22 if a veteran player or (2) isn't included in the deal.
 
Your first sentence is just not correct as they can cut players and add at least $30 million in cap space to the 9 to 10 we now have. $40 million in this off season where so many vets are going to allegedly be cut Is hardly chicken feed.

Now if you want to say that we might not have the General manager to use that 40 efficiently I certainly will not argue that. LOL

My first sentence was in reference to their current situation. I haven't seen them make or discuss making any of these (fan desired) moves to date which leaves them in cap hail until moves start happening.
 
The Jets are in the same boat talent and need wise as the Texans......maybe worse. The Jets aren't just a QB1 away from being special. The Jets would have to give up too much draft capital to obtain Watson. Also, his new contract could cripple them going forward if their draft assets were given to the Texans come 2022 and they haven't been able to address the holes in their lineup in 2021.

I mentioned this before....if Watson goes to the Jets, the only thing changing for him is the color of his jersey.

Oh no doubt, that’s why I’m only sending him there. Since he wants to play the same silly games like James Harden,I’m going to make sure I get the top end of that trade( Texans of course). I am not about to give him what he wants anymore. I’m definitely not trading him to a contender or a team on the verge of being one.
 
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I think that's the Panthers who are dumping contracts to create the cap space to bring Watson in. Panthers could be a nice landing spot for Watson but I'm concerned about the package they could put together to make this trade happen.

I see the Jets drafting either Zach Wilson or Trevor Lawrence (if the Jags go with Wilson) and using their draft assets to begin building a team around their new Franchise QB1.

Miami is still the best option for both parties. Watson goes to a team that is truly a QB1 away from competing with the Bills and a possible AFC title. They have the requisite draft capital and veteran players to create a package that the Texans would have a hard time saying no to. Of course, the Miami trade takes the Texans out of the Wilson/Lawrence derby but in an enviable position nonetheless. If the Texans want to move back....they probably could since I see any team still wanting a QB could move up and have the 3rd QB of the draft.

Any other team wanting to get in on the Watson sweepstakes should probably be prepared to give up RD1 picks in 2021, 22, 23, & 24 along with RD2 pick in 2021 and 22 if a veteran player or (2) isn't included in the deal.

Was just listening to NFL Network and the discussion after the break was about Carolina clearing cap space to make a serious run at Watson. They were discussing how the Panthers would include Bridgewater in the trade and made no mention of McCaffrey.

First, I don't like Bridgewater's contract. Second, I'd be curious as to how much of that contract would the Panthers be willing to eat in the trade. Third, Bridgewater would be an UFA come 2023 which means he could bridge the gap. Fourth, I'd still re-sign McCarron and leave the QB1 spot open for competition. If McCarron wins, then Bridgewater would be on the market either at the start of the season if another teams QB1 goes down or until the trade deadline where a team could have a need.

Panthers would have a lot to give up in regards to draft capital and maybe more than they'd be comfortable parting with. 2021 RD1 & RD2 / 2022 RD1 & RD2 / 2023 RD1 / 2024 RD1.

The Panthers are also in need of a WR b/c overall their receivers pretty much suck so the Texans could look at dumping Cooks and/or Cobbs contract in the trade.
 
The Jets are in the same boat talent and need wise as the Texans......maybe worse. The Jets aren't just a QB1 away from being special. The Jets would have to give up too much draft capital to obtain Watson. Also, his new contract could cripple them going forward if their draft assets were given to the Texans come 2022 and they haven't been able to address the holes in their lineup in 2021.

I mentioned this before....if Watson goes to the Jets, the only thing changing for him is the color of his jersey.

The Jets are in a bigger better boat than the Texans. Their boat does not have the holes in it the Texans do, no draft capital, over the cap.

The Texans aren't a QB away from being special either. In fact they were 4 -12 with one of the best and now they're sans JJ Watt.

The Jets do have the draft capital to trade for Watson because of Jamal Adams trade (2 1s and a 3).

The Jets are $75MM UNDER the cap in 2021, 2nd best in the NFL. One of the teams best suited to take on DW4 salary. It would NOT cripple the Jets.

There is a an $85MM difference in available salary cap between the Jets and the Texans. The Jets can address a lot more holes than the Texans can.

Watson would change more than the color of his jersey, he would change Owners, GM, HC, OC for starters.
 
I think that's the Panthers who are dumping contracts to create the cap space to bring Watson in. Panthers could be a nice landing spot for Watson but I'm concerned about the package they could put together to make this trade happen.

I see the Jets drafting either Zach Wilson or Trevor Lawrence (if the Jags go with Wilson) and using their draft assets to begin building a team around their new Franchise QB1.

Miami is still the best option for both parties. Watson goes to a team that is truly a QB1 away from competing with the Bills and a possible AFC title. They have the requisite draft capital and veteran players to create a package that the Texans would have a hard time saying no to. Of course, the Miami trade takes the Texans out of the Wilson/Lawrence derby but in an enviable position nonetheless. If the Texans want to move back....they probably could since I see any team still wanting a QB could move up and have the 3rd QB of the draft.

Any other team wanting to get in on the Watson sweepstakes should probably be prepared to give up RD1 picks in 2021, 22, 23, & 24 along with RD2 pick in 2021 and 22 if a veteran player or (2) isn't included in the deal.

No way I’m doing that deal. I’m sending him to the sorriest team in the NFL. I would gladly take on Sam Donald, draft either Trevor or Zack, have them to sit out a year ( learning curve).
 
Oh no doubt, that’s why I’m only sending him there. Since he wants to play the same silly games like James Harden,I’m going to make sure I get the top end of that trade( Texans of course). I am not about to give him what he wants anymore. I’m mostly not trading him to a contender or a team on the verge of being one.

......but the team ducked up and gave him a NTC. Sure the team could sit him until he either plays or quits football all together. That doesn't help the Texans at any level other than they would be able to tell Watson and agent.....see, told you so.

I don't view the Dolphins as nothing more than a solid business decision b/c of the return it could yield the Texans. The Panthers may be trying to get into the Watson sweepstakes but II'm curious what type of package they could come up with if McCaffrey isn't the one included.

I think Watson would be good with either Miami or Carolina thereby clearing the way for the Texans to get as much as they can from either team. Dolphins have the best situation since the team could probably dump another contract or two in the trade. I don't care how it works out for Watson but I absolutely care how dealing him sets the table for the Texans so they can begin their rebuild in earnest with the assets and cap space needed going forward.
 
The Jets are in a bigger better boat than the Texans. Their boat does not have the holes in it the Texans do, no draft capital, over the cap.

The Texans aren't a QB away from being special either. In fact they were 4 -12 with one of the best and now they're sans JJ Watt.

The Jets do have the draft capital to trade for Watson because of Jamal Adams trade (2 1s and a 3).

The Jets are $75MM UNDER the cap in 2021, 2nd best in the NFL. One of the teams best suited to take on DW4 salary. It would NOT cripple the Jets.

There is a an $85MM difference in available salary cap between the Jets and the Texans. The Jets can address a lot more holes than the Texans can.

Watson would change more than the color of his jersey, he would change Owners, GM, HC, OC for starters.

Jets lose their top of the draft capital for the next 3 years at minimum with the Watson trade. Their cap space this year wouldn't yield many top players, since Watson's contract will suck the air out of the room when his 40M comes off the top of their cap in 2022. Jets are a .500 team at the very best while playing in a division that has a young Bills and Dolphins teams to compete with.
 
No way I'd take that contract. Teddy's cap hit in 2021 would be bigger than Deshaun's. I like Bridgewater as a bridge QB (no pun intended). But, not at that price.

I'm 100% with you. I think the Panthers would have a lot of pause when I would let them know that they would be eating more than half of Bridgewater's contract if they insisted on including him.....and I'd actually be leaning more towards 60% of his contract to feel comfortable taking him off their hands.

I'd let them keep Bridgewater and figure out his situation on their own.

If I included a receiver (Cooks) into the deal that would be as good if not better than any receiver currently on their roster.....I'd be adding a 2023 RD3 and 2024 RD3 to the deal. That would give the Texans (4) RD1 / (2) RD2 / (2) RD3 picks over the next the next 4 drafts. I'd still demand DE, Yetur Gross-Matos (Notre Dame 2020 Draft) be included in the deal.....since I like his upside.
 
No one wants to trade for Cooks bloated contract. The Texans save the exact same amount of cap space by cutting Cooks. Sending Mercilus or Cobb's contracts in trade would be very beneficial to the Texans, however.
I am not eager to trade Cooks without getting a lot for him. Why wouldn't a receiving team with him or any other player offer a renegotiation including an extension lowering his cap hit? saying a team would not trade for a player because of what we have as his cap hit is not very impressive to me
 
If some are thinking that Zach Wilson may very well be the best QB1 in the draft and the only reason Lawrence is ahead of him is b/c of the media pressure. Texans were in the same boat with Clowney. Anyhow, why would the Jets give up Zach Wilson and his affordable 5 year rookie contract for Watson.....especially if he's the can't miss prospect many are suggesting and taking into consideration the cost the Jets would have to make in this trade?

On top of selecting Wilson, the Jets could move Darnold for another reasonably good pick or just keep him until the trade deadline when they just might get more for him then than what they're likely to get now.
Very true in all that you say. However you know what you have had in Deshaun Watson for several years. Proven top 8 commodity. You have in Zach Wilson what you hope he will become. The Jets in my opinion No longer want to be where the Texans are now hoping that they will be somebody in three years. They want to be somebody Today. I do think that the scenario you note could very well happen. I still have most of my eggs in a basket with dolphins.
 
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