On “49ers Talk,” Matt Maiocco chats with Texans beat writer John McClain of the Houston Chronicle to discuss the possibility of Houston trading Deshaun Watson to the 49ers.
As bad news continues to pile on for the Houston Texans in regards to the team's relationship with reportedly fuming star quarterback Deshaun Watson, it could possibly be great news for teams like the 49ers eyeing an upgrade at the game's most important position.
There is a "growing sense" that Watson has played his final snap with Houston, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning.
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SIGN UP HERE Watson seems to like what the 49ers have done in recent years, as he asked Texans management to interview then-49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the team's head-coaching vacancy, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reported on Saturday. Houston was the only franchise with a head coaching opening this offseason that opted not to interview Saleh, who agreed to become the New York Jets' next head coach earlier this week.
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The 25-year-old had 49ers fans buzzing on Friday when he sought out an Instagram account with the handle "GeorgeKittleNation" and liked an old photo of himself wearing a Joe Montana jersey.
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Watson's talent is unquestionable, as he led the NFL in passing yards (4,823) this season and tossed 33 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Houston finished with a 4-12 record, firing coach Bill O'Brien midseason.
It would take a haul of draft picks and likely a quality player or two to bring in the discontent QB, but as 49ers legend Steve Young said earlier this week, parting with multiple first-round picks can be worth it for a "generational" player like Watson.
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Nothing official has come out from either side, but Watson has done nothing to refute any of the reports about his frustration over the past few weeks, and fired off a cryptic tweet Saturday that seemed to possibly confirm some of the rumors.
The 49ers will be one of many teams potentially inquiring into Watson's services should he indeed come available, and it will take a hefty price tag to bring him in.
But if general manager John Lynch believes Watson is a significant enough upgrade from Jimmy Garoppolo, the franchise should do what it can to make it happen.
