Matt Maiocco and Laura Britt discuss Mike McDaniel’s promotion to 49ers offensive coordinator and why keeping him around for the long term is so important to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Another former NFL great has spoken regarding Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans.
49ers legend NaVorro Bowman took to Twitter to give Watson some advice Tuesday, as reports continue to circulate about the 25-year-old quarterback's unhappiness in Houston.
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Bowman advised Watson to "get outta there now," referring to Watson's evolving frustrations with the Texans organization. Tensions reached a new high Sunday when reports surfaced that Watson likely played his final snap with Houston.
An already-patchy relationship is now in tatters, with Watson reportedly fed up with the Texans and owner Cal McNair after the organization hired Nick Caserio as its new general manager. Watson wasn't consulted in the decision. He's yet to publicly refute the rumors of his unhappiness, leading to wide speculation the three-time Pro Bowl QB could demand a trade.
Bowman's encouragement to Watson is a positive sign for 49ers fans. Watson has been linked to San Francisco in multiple trade speculations, and continues to entice fans by engaging with 49er-related social media posts. Surely having Bowman's blessing -- as he spent the majority of his eight-year NFL career with San Francisco -- is a tick in the right direction if the 49ers' aim to land him, however limited that possibility might be.
Watson is coming off a career year, where he led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards. He owned a 70.2 percent completion rate and threw for a career-high 33 touchdowns compared to a career-low seven interceptions. Watson signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with Houston in September, but a dismal 4-12 season led to the dismissal of head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien halfway through.
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That led to the Texans hiring Caserio -- who previously served as former New England Patriots director of player personnel -- as the apparent final straw in the Watson-Texans saga.
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Should Watson successfully demand a trade, he'll take a lofty price to land, but 49ers fans can take solace in another legend's opinion. Hall of Famer Steve Young said Thursday that he believes no matter the price, gaining Watson is worth it, even if it means departing with multiple first-round draft picks down the stretch.
Watson clearly has established himself as a top talent in the league, and his allure to any team is obvious. If he does leave the Texans, he'll have no shortage of interest. Still, the 49ers might have a considerable shot in landing him. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have already stressed that Jimmy Garoppolo will be the 49ers starting quarterback in 2021, but if the opportunity to land Watson comes knocking, you best answer the door.