How the injury to Colts QB Carson Wentz impacts the Texans’ trading of Deshaun Watson
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have yet to trade Deshaun Watson despite reports that the team is now willing to make a deal. The Texans have placed a high price on the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, which includes three to five high draft picks and a starting-caliber player in return.
Among the teams interested in acquiring Watson’s services are the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles could meet Houston’s high demands in a deal for Watson, as they could currently offer two first-round picks for the 2022 NFL Draft. But had one injury in Indianapolis not taken place, the Eagles could have offered the Texans three.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Colts’ new quarterback Carson Wentz underwent surgery following a crucial foot injury on Friday. The injury may leave Wentz sidelined for five to 12 weeks, which could cause the 28-year-old quarterback to miss a quarter of the Colts’ regular-season games.
Why is this important in regards to the market for Watson? Wentz’s injury could cost the Eagles an additional first-round pick for 2022.
When the Eagles traded Wentz to Indianapolis in March, the Colts sent a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick. If Wentz played 75% of the Colts’ regular-season snaps or appeared in 70% of the snaps and Indianapolis qualified for the playoffs, the Eagles would have been awarded a first-round pick for the exchange.
Now it is a scenario that is highly unlikely given the amount of time Wentz could miss.
The possibility of the Eagles missing out on three first-round picks could have significant ramifications in their pursuit of Watson. Now, Philadelphia’s offer to the Texans will be comparable to their counterparts — i.e. the Miami Dolphins — who could propose two first-rounders in next year’s draft accompanying with a starting-caliber quarterback.
Since the start of training camp, Watson has not withered from his trade request. The relationship between the two parties appears unsalvageable, as the disgruntled quarterback remains sideline during on-field activities.
In addition to his trade request, Watson has pending litigation with 22 women suing him, alleging sexual assault.
