Miami Dolphins emerge as frontrunner in potential Deshaun Watson trade

The Houston Texans might be nearing a trade revolving around quarterback Deshaun Watson. After an offseason centered around Watson’s future in Houston, the situation could be nearing its end, according to Yahoo NFL reporter Charles Robinson. The Miami Dolphins, despite having  a young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, appear to be emerging as the frontrunner.

What could a potential Watson trade look like?

The Texans have a hefty price tag on their star quarterback. They are reportedly seeking multiple premium draft picks.

“Sources tell Yahoo Sports the Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunner in trade discussions with the Texans for QB Deshaun Watson,” Robinson said. “The Texans are seeking 3 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks in negotiations, according to a team that dropped out of trade talks.”

There were multiple teams involved in trade talks for Watson around the league. At least three additional teams were in discussions at some point, but Watson holds some power with his contract.

“Sources said the Panthers, Broncos and Eagles were also in some element of trade consideration,” Robinson tweeted. “But Watson’s contractual right to approve the trade destination – which was signed off on by Houston ownership in his last extension – has weighed heavily in trade opportunities.”

In light of Watson’s offseason accusations of sexual assault, teams are looking for some sort of protections in any potential trades, Robinson said.

“Sources said teams have angled for pick protections in any trade, to mitigate a potential NFL suspension or criminal prosecution tied to ongoing investigations by the FBY, Harris County prosecutor and Houston PD, into sexual assault allegations from multiple women,” Robinson tweeted.

Despite having Tua on the roster, Miami could be moving on

Tagovailoa had a successful career at Alabama. In 2018, he threw for 2,966 yards, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions, adding five rushing touchdowns. He finished second in 2018 Heisman voting. In his Alabama career, where he started for two years, Tagovailoa completed 69.3 percent of his passes with 7,442 yards, 96 total touchdowns and 11 interceptions before a late-season hip injury ended his collegiate career.

The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he took the starting job from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the middle of the year. Tagovailoa completed 64.1 percent of his passes with 1,814 yards, 14 total touchdowns and five interceptions. After just one year in the NFL, Tagovailoa might see major changes with a potential Watson trade.

Tagovailoa did not have the strongest rookie year. There was a lot of promise around his offseason and performance so far in the preseason. In Miami’s first preseason game, Tagovailoa was 8-of-12 with 99 yards and an interception. He rebounded nicely in the following game, completing all eight of his first quarter pass attempts against Atlanta.

While Watson would be an immediate upgrade over Tagovailoa, it would be a little bit surprising to see the Dolphins move on so quickly. For Houston, Tagovailoa could be involved in the trade. If he is, does that lower the amount of premium draft picks in their asking price?

Watson has been rumored to be a trade candidate all offseason. This situation will be an important one to follow.