Denver Broncos: What is the best trade scenario for Deshaun Watson?
By Noah Smith
![HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 08: Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos and Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans greet each other during warm ups before the game at NRG Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 08: Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos and Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans greet each other during warm ups before the game at NRG Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fpredominantlyorange-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1192699262-850x560-88f9f9d87393a196dd60ee7540840a8e2f964bd609c29c245885b03380f65eda.jpg)
2. The Denver Broncos will have a chance to evaluate their young assets
Even if the Houston Texans eventually relent, the asking price for Deshaun Watson will certainly include some young, proven assets for a rebuilding team to work with. If the Watson-Houston dilemma rolls into the 2021 NFL Season, the Denver Broncos could be in a great position to evaluate their young players for a trade.
The Broncos have plenty of young stars on the defensive side of the ball, like Bradley Chubb, Dre’Mont Jones, and Michael Ojemudia. Losing any of those players would be a serious hit to the defensive side of the ball, but it may be necessary in order to land a transformational player like Watson.
On the offensive side, the Broncos would likely look to move Drew Lock off to Houston but could add some playmakers to entice the Texans. Adding players like Tim Patrick in a “sign-and-trade” scenario and Albert Okwuegbunam could convince the Texans to stay away from the defensive side.
A trade including any young stars will inevitably set the Denver Broncos back in their development process. However, the acquisition of Deshaun Watson will offset those losses and will elevate the rest of the offense to a level similar to the Peyton Manning era.
If Deshaun Watson and the Texans are willing to hold out into the 2021 NFL Season, the Denver Broncos will get a good look at the players they are considering in a trade. Getting George Paton the information he needs to assemble a trade package will be key in acquiring Deshaun Watson.