The Miami Dolphins’ season may be over, but the interest in this team is apparently only just getting warmed up. One of the pressing sagas from across the NFL is the fallout of the Houston Texans’ hiring of former Patriots executive Nick Caserio. And, more specifically, what Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson thinks of the direction of the team. When the news dropped that the Texans were hiring Caserio, the immediate kickback came that one of the NFL’s biggest stars was livid with the hire.
Not because of Caserio’s qualifications, but rather because the Texans have a trend of ignoring every bit of feedback Watson has for the team despite ownership assuring Watson that he’d get plenty of input on how the Texans proceed this offseason and beyond.
Why is that important? Because Watson is so angry with the situation that he’s reportedly mulling demanding a trade from the team. And of all the teams that have the assets that would be required to finalize a deal for one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, Miami is near the top of the list. But that was just speculation.
That is, until ESPN’s Chris Mortensen dropped a bombshell this morning, indicating that Watson is indeed angry with the team culture in Houston and that “informed speculation from a source” indicates that Watson would waive his no-trade clause for the Miami Dolphins.
Sources say Watson could play hardball with Texans about a trade. His new $156 million contract includes a no-trade clause but informed speculation from a source is that he would consider the @MiamiDolphins in which Tua Tagovailoa and additional compensation goes to Houston.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 10, 2021
Now, the Dolphins would need to internally investigate how interested they’d be in such a blockbuster move. And trading for Watson would dramatically accelerate the team’s winning forecast — and, just as importantly, the urgency to win now before the financial implications add up to the Dolphins having to depart from talent instead of continuing to onboard young, promising players.
There’s plenty that needs to transpire for this to become even remotely close to a possible outcome on both sides of the fence. Watson and the Texans must reach a breaking point first. Then, the Dolphins must assess their quarterback situation and the hypothetical cost of Watson and determine whether or not it is a cost they’re willing to pay for one of the five best quarterbacks in football.
But if Watson and the Texans break? And the Dolphins are comfortable with the cost? Then Miami would appear to be near the top of the list for a new home for Deshaun Watson.