The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still at the top of the NFL’s “Silly Season” list Sunday. On Super Bowl Sunday no less. In an earlier article we addressed the reports that the Buccaneers were still holding a candle for quarterback Tom Brady to return. Then we addressed the reports on the rumors of who could be behind door number two, Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. But wait, there appears to be a door number three.
The Buccaneers fancy themselves as a win now team, yes even with 25 free agents to sign and a limited amount of cap room. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport the Buccaneers have done “extensive homework” on Houston Texans‘ quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The @NFLGameDay Notebook with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: #Bucs want Tom Brady back; Tampa will swing big if Brady isn't back; Zeke Elliott will be back for Dallas; The latest on Russell Wilson; #Raiders plan to commit to Carr… & #Packers want to do so for Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/LYDRncTHkY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2022
Watson’s Cons
Watson does have some baggage though. He sat out the entire season last year after requesting a trade after having 20 some allegations of sexual misconduct. Those allegations and the civil lawsuits attached to them are currently under investigation by police and the NFL.
Watson’s Pros
Watson has made three Pro Bowls in the four years he’s played in the league. He’s thrown for over 15,000 yards and 108 touchdowns in the regular and post-season. Watson also has over 400 yards rushing and 19 rushing touchdowns to his resume. A dual threat three-time Pro Bowler sounds great, but at what price? The Texans reportedly turned down a trade offer of three first rounders before last year’s draft. That’s a steep price for someone with the baggage that Watson brings with him. But, the Texans are also reportedly looking to deal Watson before the beginning of the league calendar year on March 16th. Watson has made it clear he will never play for the Texans again, so somethings got to give right?
The Buccaneers have the draft picks to pull off a trade, but let’s be honest, the price might not still be three first rounders now but it’s going to be high. So you’re most likely looking at multiple first and second round picks and a player if not two. While the idea of Watson in an Arians offense is intriguing, I just can’t see them mortgaging the future to make it happen.
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
