QB Deshaun Watson is unhappy with the current state of affairs within the Houston Texans organization, according to multiple reports and his own Twitter account. Watson, 25, is also one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL regardless of age and is now widely expected to be one of the most sought-after trade targets in league history. Below, we’ll look at BetMGM‘s betting odds for Deshaun Watson’s next team, with NFL picks and predictions.
There is a growing sense from people in and around the Texans’ organization that Deshaun Watson has played his last snap for the team. It’s early in the off-season, there’s a lot of time left, but Watson’s feelings cannot and should not be underestimated.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 17, 2021
Where will Deshaun Watson play next?
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 2:45 p.m. ET.
Favorite: Miami Dolphins (+500)
The Texans (+100) are the betting favorites to patch things over with Watson and retain his services for at least the beginning of the 2021 NFL season, but there’s no fun in that. There’s also a no-trade clause in the 4-year, $156 million contract Watson signed in September, so that may rule out the New York Jets (+400) off of a 2-14 2020 season.
The Dolphins, however, came up just shy of a 2020 playoff berth with a surprising 10-6 season. They have a promising head coach in Brian Flores, are prepped to win in the near future, and have plenty of trade assets to send back to Houston.
The package would likely start with QB Tua Tagovailoa, the No. 5 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. From there, Miami has the No. 3 (originally from Houston) and No. 18 (their own) picks of the 2021 NFL Draft. All that would give the Texans a new, promising young QB, the chance to draft another at the top of the draft, and a shot at a mid-round talent in Day 1 of the draft.
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Contender: San Francisco 49ers (+1400)
The 2019 NFC champions were hit hard by the injury bug in 2020 and struggled to a 6-10 record. The 49ers finished last in the NFC West and currently own the No. 12 pick in the upcoming draft.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo‘s future with the team is up in the air with two years remaining on his current deal, but cutting him now would leave the Niners with just $2.8 million in dead cap for 2021 and $1.4 million in 2022, according to Spotrac.
San Francisco is flush with talent on both sides of the ball when healthy and has an offensive-minded head coach in Kyle Shanahan. If the Texans are willing to accept future first-round picks in return, the 49ers would be wise to pounce.
Long shot: New Orleans Saints (+5000)
Recently-turned 42-year-old QB Drew Brees is expected to retire after taking some time to consider his options following the Saints’ second-round playoff exit. QB Jameis Winston is set to hit free agency and Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill still has many questioning his abilities as an NFL QB.
A late first-round pick in 2021 may force Saints general manager Mickey Loomis to get creative in trade talks, but there should be plenty of motivation to appease fans with Brees seemingly ready to hang up the cleats after a Hall of Fame career.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Watson to take his next snap with the Dolphins would return a profit of $50; the same bet on the 49ers returns a $140 profit and a Saints wager would fetch a profit of $500.
Want action on NFL bets? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Watson tweets he has ‘been trying to have some patience’ (Texans Wire)
- Watson asks Texans’ fans to call off protest march on his behalf (Touchdown Wire)
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