The Houston Texans are looking to resolve the Deshaun Watson saga “as soon as possible” and it appears the talented quarterback is eyeing two teams to move on to.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Watson has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings “On his radar.”
The Texans quarterback, who spent the 2021 season on the team’s active roster but did not play, has begun evaluating potential fits for his services in 2022, with the Buccaneers and Vikings among teams on his radar.
One source noted that Watson — who has a no-trade clause — is still early in the evaluation process, but he’s looking for the right blend of offensive system, coaching, talent and, most importantly, the chance to win.
Watson has a no-trade clause, so he will get to dictate where he lands. He sat out the 2021 season in large due to his ongoing legal issues surrounding sexual harassment. But it was also because he didn’t want to play for the Texans any longer.
If his legal issues are resolved and he is able to get on the field, Watson is looking at a number of important factors for his next stop. The Vikings and Buccaneers appear to fit the build for what he is looking for: offensive system, coaching, talent and a chance to win.
Minnesota is set to hire former Washington and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell as head coach. The Vikings have underachieved in recent years with Kirk Cousins as quarterback. But, they are loaded with quality offensive talent at wide receiver, running back and tight end.
The Buccaneers are one year removed from winning the Super Bowl. Their quarterback Tom Brady retired earlier this month. While the Bucs have some decisions to make in regards to their salary cap, they have talent and a bright offensive mind in Byron Leftwich as their offensive coordinator.
Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians is also great offensive mind.
Fowler notes Watson is “early in the process” in evaluating teams for right fit. But it’s hard to see a team that could trump what Minnesota and Tampa Bay have to offer.
