The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offseason has been crazy to say the least. Starting with the heartbreaking loss in the divisional round, then the rumors of Tom Brady’s retirement, and then the actual retirement by Brady, to now he “is he having buyers remorse” reports.
Let’s pause to clear our heads. Any given day there’s a new report that Brady might return. Those are typically sandwiched in between reports of who the Buccaneers might be interested in as Brady’s replacement.
Rumors In The Air
The names linked to potentially replace Brady as the Buccaneers quarterback is a who’s who of NFL quarterbacks. From Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, Seattle’s Russell Wilson and nearly every quarterback has been linked to as a potential Brady replacement. Then recently reports of the Buccaneers having done “extensive homework” on beleaguered Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson surfaced. Is this just another shot in the dark report? Actually it seems this one may have legs.
Per ESPN’S Jeremy Fowler, there is interest from Watson about joining the Buccaneers. According to Fowler, the Buccaneers are on Watson’s “radar”
Deshaun Watson has begun evaluating potential fits for his services in 2022, with #Bucs and #Vikings among teams on his radar.
From our post-Super-Bowl buzz file. https://t.co/xCMlP2gFpp
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 16, 2022
Wait a minute, Watson is a bona-fide NFL quarterback, one that does have some baggage, but still. Watson is dealing with the 20 plus allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. To be fair to him, these investigations have been going on for nearly two years with no results. Acquiring Watson would come with a hefty price tag. The Texans reportedly turned down an offer for three first round picks earlier this year.
But Would They?
Would the Buccaneers pull the trigger on a trade like that? The team fancies themselves as built to win now. So to quote a famous quarterback, “never say never”. Watson reportedly having interest in the Bucs could definitely help in negotiations, especially with Watson’s contract.
Speaking of Watson’s contract
Deshaun Watson’s contract is for four years and a $156,000,000 with a 2022 cap hit of $40,000,000. Now, we know the brilliance of the Buccaneers front office, we’ve seen the magic they’ve pulled the past few years.
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?
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