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Arizona Cardinals and Deshaun Watson seem like an unlikely pairing simply because of logistics.
That’s why Bill Barnwell went through all 31 NFL teams and looked at whether they were options for the young star quarterback.
He put the Arizona Cardinals in the same breath as the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens in making a move for Watson.
From E$PN:
Teams that would have to make an impractical swap of QB
Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills
These are three teams that might prefer Watson to their existing young star under center. If the Texans were interested in a straight one-for-one swap, it’s not out of the question that the Cardinals, Ravens and Bills would consider making that move. If the Texans call those teams, they should at least pick up the phone.
Chances are, though, that the Texans would ask for significant draft compensation alongside Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen to get a Watson swap done. Jackson and Allen are eligible for new contracts this offseason, and Murray will get one after the 2021 season. Watson for Allen would be one thing, but the Bills probably aren’t shipping off a first-round pick alongside Allen to make it happen. Would be a fun challenge trade, though.
This is not to say that Murray won’t reach Watson’s level, but outside of Tom Brady and now Patrick Mahomes how many sure things are there in the NFL? Watson is also only 25 years old and signed for his prime.
That’s the only reason for the Cardinals that they consider a trade like this, is that Watson’s peak is already defined. We don’t know what Murray’s will be or if he’ll reach it.
However, as much as I love Deshaun Watson (he’s the best quarterback I’ve ever scouted coming out of college) I’m not giving up Murray and the 16th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to have Watson.
If the Cardinals were a deeper, more developed team you could make an argument.
However, they’re growing and lack depth almost everywhere on the roster. Getting back Watson would give them enough of an immediate upgrade at quarterback to maybe overcome that. Yet, in the long run it would completely hamstring this team.
Watson is great. We just have to wait for Murray to join him.
And maybe learn to enjoy the ride.