SF 49ers: 3 hypothetical trade scenarios for Texans QB Deshaun Watson

No. 1: SF 49ers move Nick Bosa to Texans to make Deshaun Watson trade happen

There’s a sizable portion of the Niners fanbase thinking there’d be no way San Francisco moves star EDGE Nick Bosa, the 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year, in a would-be trade package for Deshaun Watson.

Now, this probably isn’t the ideal first offer from the SF 49ers’ vantage point. But if you’re of the mindset Bosa is untouchable, think again.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterbacks, especially of the elite franchise-caliber ilk, are the most important aspect of any championship football team. Only a handful of NFL defenders over the years (i.e. the NY Giants’ Lawrence Taylor or the Dallas Cowboys’ Charles Haley) were true championship-caliber centerpieces. In nearly every other case, it’s been the quarterback who holds the chief importance.

This isn’t to say Bosa isn’t important to the Niners future — he is, clearly — but rather the admission the Niners would have to give up something awfully prized to get something awfully prized in return.

Anything less suggested is awfully shortsighted.

Plus, the 2020 San Francisco defense, for which Bosa saw just 1.5 games, still managed to finish fifth best in terms of yards allowed. That’s further evidence why the SF 49ers would at least entertain the idea.

The Texans would, too, particularly with their own defensive lineman, J.J. Watt, who could be part of an offseason trade deal, per reports.

Out goes Watt, in comes Bosa. At least from Houston’s vantage point. That would be a win for the Texans.

While such a massive defensive loss would be part of the Niners’ efforts, along with some considerable draft compensation, the lower price tag of first-round picks sent off to Houston would make it much more doable.

That might lessen the blow, even if San Francisco would prefer to keep Bosa while somehow landing Watson.