Report: Washington a 'sleeper' team in Watson sweepstakes originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Washington Football Team could be preparing to make a run at trading for Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson according to a new report from ESPN.
The front-runners for a Watson trade are believed to be the Jets and the Dolphins as both hold high draft picks and are long on draft capital, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler identified Washington along with the Bears and Panthers as possible "sleeper" teams in the Watson sweepstakes.
"The Washington Football Team is another that's mentioned often as going to be busy this offseason trying to get their future quarterback, they believe their window is now," Fowler said.
After starting four different quarterbacks in 2020 and with only Alex Smith under contract for 2021 and beyond, Washington obviously needs to figure out their long-term plan at the QB position.
Watson is among the best passers in the league.
He's coming off a 4,800-yard passing season with 33 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. He completed 70 percent of his passes while averaging nearly 9 yards-per-attempt. That's astounding accuracy while going downfield. He's also gifted with his feet; in 2020 Watson rushed 90 times for 444 yards and three TDs.
If Washington can land Watson, it would immediately catapult the team into the conversation of best teams in the NFC.
With a defense that finished in the Top 5 of every major statistical category, and then suddenly an offense led by a star QB, things would change for Ron Rivera's bunch.
What it will cost to get Watson, and if Houston will actually trade him, remain major questions.
Fowler suggested the floor for a Watson trade is three first-round picks, and considering Washington doesn't draft until the 19th pick, it would likely require more.
That could mean a player, particularly somebody on a rookie contract, needs to be included as compensation.
Players of note that fit the bill would include Montez Sweat, Daron Payne, Terry McLaurin and Chase Young, though the last two seem off-limits.
It's something to watch, for sure, especially as Washington is rebuilding their front office. Reports show a new general manager and senior executives will be named very soon.
