The Buccaneers and Deshaun Watson? Seems crazy, but the pieces are at least coming together to create some smoke for the offseason.
Each week has seen a new starting quarterback from across the NFL become the “new target” for the Buccaneers and their QB search.
From Aaron Rodgers to the ludicrous idea that the Cardinals are willing to trade Kyler Murray, Bucs fans have discussed it all.
The one name that seems to get the most trepidation from the fanbase is Deshaun Watson. Watson possesses unbelievable talent and would fit in the Buccaneer offense like a glove, but numerous allegations of sexual assault make it so that it is next to impossible to go through with this trade.
Even if the Buccaneers can come up with the desired compensation, which would be very steep, does the team really want a player under such scrutiny in the eyes of the league right now?
Sure, Tampa did bring in Antonio Brown, and the focus should always be on winning, but at what cost?
Regardless, this entire conversation puts the horse before the carriage; at least, it was before today.
A report from this past weekend showed that Tampa was doing its homework on Watson. “Homework” is somewhat unclear, but it seems like this means the Bucs are trying to figure out what kind of baggage Watson would bring with him and if there is a chance a suspension is coming.
One half of the puzzle is down, and Watson was able to reciprocate today. According to Jeremy Fowler, the Bucs are “on Watson’s radar.”
Deshaun Watson has begun evaluating potential fits for his services in 2022, with #Bucs and #Vikings among teams on his radar.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 16, 2022
From our post-Super-Bowl buzz file. https://t.co/xCMlP2gFpp
Both parties are taking this very slow, but everyone can see the apparent interest between the two. The Bucs need another franchise quarterback to take over after Brady, and Watson needs a change of scenery at a destination the Texans would be ok with.
Whether this move would be the right one remains to be seen. This would be a much larger gamble for the Bucs than it would be for Watson, but franchise success is based on risks like this.
There is currently no shot this deal comes to life given the current circumstances, but a miracle on the legal side in the coming weeks could give life to the growing belief that Deshaun Watson could be a Buccaneer.
Want to write about the Buccaneers? Apply below!