Why The Bucs Could Struggle To Compete For Deshaun Watson?
March 12th, 2022
“We’re battling with lesser ammo, Mr. Glazer.”
So what would it cost Tampa Bay to move up from the No. 27 overall pick in the NFL Draft to the No. 6 overall pick? The price would be at least their first-rounder this year, next year and a second-round pick.
At least.
Joe brings that up because that’s where the Bucs are starting as they try to compete with the Carolina Panthers in the trade market for creepy quarterback Deshaun Watson, assuming Watson is willing to play for Carolina and waive his no-trade clause to go there.
What about Seattle?
The Seahawks own the No. 9 overall pick this year, and the No. 40 and 41 overall picks, plus a good third-rounder at No. 72 overall (much better than the Bucs’). If they’re willing to give all that up for Watson, plus a first-rounder in 2023, then how exactly would the Bucs expect to compete in the trade market? Would the Bucs be ready to cough up four first-round draft picks and a player to start the bidding?
What about the Eagles? They’re sitting on three first-round picks this year — at Nos. 15, 16 and 19. They could probably hand that to the Texans with a second-round pick next year and take Watson home in five minutes. There’s no way the Bucs can compete with that value.
As Joe has written, the Bucs’ best and likely only hope of landing Watson is if Watson’s desired destination is Tampa.
March 12th, 2022 at 6:02 am
Giving up those draft picks would be a pretty high price to pay for a Bucs team that is shedding a lot of key, older/veteran players. However, the Bucs being in this conversation drives up the asking price and puts pressure on their rivals to come up with more. If Houston is inspired by the same lines of thought as Joe has written above, they can try to persuade or pressure Watson to go where the deal is best for them. And that might mean that Carolina or New Orleans ends up overpaying, which nets the Bucs some benefit for having been in the hunt.
March 12th, 2022 at 6:42 am
Compared to the GOAT most all high level QB’s are just kine of similar. Not that much separation.
March 12th, 2022 at 7:08 am
Everyone is sleeping on carolina.
Sure they are not a top team now but he could make them one
Dont forget carolina is close to a huge support of watson from his days in clemson
He would have a ton of fans there and the school nearby
March 12th, 2022 at 7:09 am
Honestly, it wouldn’t make sense for him to want to go to Seattle. They are in rebuild mode. Their defense is hot garbage and their oline is way too leaky. Plus they play in the toughest division in football now. The Panthers are actively trying to trade the best player on their team. Philly makes sense as they are a decent team in a terrible division, but you’d have to spend more time in Philadelphia, which should be an automatic no. The Bucs still have a strong core, the division is weak for the foreseeable future and you get the additional benefit of living in Florida. Seems like a no brainer from Watson’s standpoint.
March 12th, 2022 at 7:24 am
Mouth breathers, moth breathers everywhere. They really want D Watson to cream in their hair. Hide your daughters hide your wifes or D Wat will give them a special surprise
March 12th, 2022 at 7:59 am
Too expensive……but of course Watson wants to come to Tampa……BA, BL, Evans, Godwin……and Mons Venus….
March 12th, 2022 at 8:10 am
What you are ignoring in this article Joe is Watson waving his no-trade clause. None of those teams are on his list. They can offer what they want, it gets them nada. Buccaneers and Vikings are on his list. So if the Bucs make a reasonable offer and maybe do not have to give away the farm, we have a shot.
March 12th, 2022 at 8:45 am
Bucs can get most, if not all of thise picks back, if Brady decides he really wants to play for the Niners…
March 12th, 2022 at 9:05 am
D watson isnt worth it
March 12th, 2022 at 9:14 am
that is a lot of draft capital to use on one guy.
you better be damn sure his issues are behind him
March 12th, 2022 at 9:26 am
I agree Watson isn’t worth it stay with what we have and sign some of our good players that are free agents
March 12th, 2022 at 9:27 am
Lots of speculation on what he wants and where he will end up. Throw Pittsburgh into the mix. I’d heard last week they were at the top of his short list.
March 12th, 2022 at 9:56 am
Also the Bucs coaching staff and 13-4 team is a huge factor, Watson came from a losing franchise, he wants to win, and winners don’t have to creep on girls, they get loving for free, sorry I regressed, meaning he’s getting paid either way, but he hasn’t been in a winning culture, Carolina, Seattle etc. can offer Houston a better package, none of that matters to Watson, going to Tampa replacing the GOAT with a chance to take over a potential Super Bowl team, that’s priceless to Watson
March 12th, 2022 at 10:21 am
Philly makes the most sense.
I said it last night: he won’t be coming here and he won’t be playing this year.
March 12th, 2022 at 10:40 am
No way Watson comes here, unless he really wants to, because we are unable to match all the competition for his services.
In fact, I just read he is OK with going to Carolina.
March 12th, 2022 at 11:55 am
no trade then not worth 3 or 4 first round picks roll with our man Trask
March 12th, 2022 at 11:57 am
Dwat goes where Dwat wants as he waives the trade clause for only one team and tthen that is who gets him
March 12th, 2022 at 1:12 pm
to those who say its not worth it, 2/3 (MORE) of NFL teams do not have a QB of the caliber of Watson – 20 or more teams are spending tons of money and effort to find what Chiefs, Bengals, Buffalo, Rams, GB and now Broncos and maybe Patriots have.
Watson is easily worth the price as he is a proven star.
The Rams have not had a 1st Rd pick for years and now many more years to come. They seem to be fine. I would love for the Bucs to get Watson. But, unfortunately, like Chris above says, not likely we can pay the price like other teams can
March 12th, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Let’s breakdown everything:
Panthers – #1 their coach is literally hanging by a thread from being fired. He could barely find an offensive coordinator this yr b/c coaches knew he was a lame duck coach. Not to talk about the offensive line for their team is terrible! Why would Watson pick here?
Seahawks – Russ Wilson who is a top 10 QB for the last 2 yrs has asked out of that organization. Mainly b/c they wouldn’t treat him like the superstar QB he is aka no input. Why would Watson pick here?
Saints – new coach x the worst salary cap situation in the league. Why would Watson want to go here?
Eagles – already committed to Hurts
Colts x Steelers – make sense, especially the Colts. Cap space to add weapons, top 5 offensive line, top 5 RB, top 10 defense AND he can torment the Texans 2x a yr. The Steelers are the strongest organization from top to bottom & a storied franchise, strong black coaches (yes that matters).
Browns – top 10 offensive line, best pair of RBs TEs in the league, just got Cooper @ WR & enough cap to add more WRs. Cleveland not a great place to live lol or hibernate, very tough division & sorry history for the organization.
Bucs – best pair of WRs, best offense to throw & score pts. Florida tax or lack thereof lol. Strong coaches (black ones @ that) & Arians who’s VERY well respected in the NFL. Open communication, just like Brady had. Recent Super Bowl Champs w/ 5+ Pro Bowlers signed. Easiest division out of everybody.
So I think Bucs x Steelers x Colts have the best shot!
March 12th, 2022 at 9:58 pm
I’d give them Devin, Godwin, and two first round picks in a heartbeat.