SF 49ers: 3 hypothetical trade scenarios for Texans QB Deshaun Watson
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers mortgage the NFL Draft farm to Texans
If San Francisco can’t move Jimmy Garoppolo by means of a trade, or if Houston isn’t interested, a trade elsewhere or a cap-casualty cut could still open up another scenario here.
The shrinking 2021 NFL salary cap and a number of high-profile up-and-coming players on the roster mean the SF 49ers need to hit on a good chunk of their upcoming NFL Draft picks over the next few years, if for nothing else but to get some quality production from players playing on their rookie contracts.
In short, think of the production the Niners received from tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner on their rookie deals. Kittle got his massive extension. Warner’s is due soon.
This is why a blockbuster deal involving San Francisco’s top two picks in each of the next three drafts doesn’t seem overly likely. Giving up six picks in total between 2021 and 2023, particuarly first- and second-round selections, would be a steep asking price.
But there are incentives to do this.
For starters, the Texans are looking at a massive rebuild for their entire roster, and Nick Caserio will need as much ammunition as he can get. If that means having to move a disgruntled Deshaun Watson, so be it.
Plus, the SF 49ers’ immediate upcoming picks in the draft, Nos. 12 and 48 overall, have some significant value.
The hope would be, however, the Niners would regularly be picking late in draft rounds in subsequent seasons with Watson under center.