NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles can’t be discounted as strong suitor for Deshaun Watson

Despite the Texans’ insistence that they’re not going to trade him, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Deshaun Watson gets dealt this offseason. The 25-year-old star quarterback clearly wants out of Houston. The big question is: where will he land?

Perhaps with ... the Philadelphia Eagles?

I haven’t been one to think it’s possible. But NFL insider Jason La Canfora had the following to share late on Tuesday evening:

Do not discount the Philadelphia Eagles as a strong suitor for Deshaun Watson. Too many sources with ties to ownership have whispered that sentiment my way for me to ignore. [...] It is indisputable that the Eagles are monitoring the Watson situation closely and evaluating it. No one in that organization would deny that. [...] Some in the Eagles brass would try to poo-poo the idea of their interest by noting there must be about 30 teams paying close attention to this situation, but my sense is this is much more than an idea on the periphery; I get the sense this is something ownership and management would very much like to make happen. “I hear that it is very much at the ownership level,” as one league source put it. “No action for the Eagles,” one GM said. “It has to be killing them.” Another GM said: “Would Howie trading for Watson surprise me? No. Now that you mention it.”

When I read this, I can’t help but feel skeptical about the likelihood. I have a hard time believing Watson would waive his no-trade clause to come to Philly of all places. A big reason why he wants out of Houston is because of the organizational dysfunction down there. And it’s not like the Eagles have the appearance of the most stable organization right now.

I also have my doubts that the Eagles can offer the best trade package to the Texans. The New York Jets (No. 2 overall) and Miami Dolphins (No. 3 overall) can offer higher picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Even more, Joe Douglas has two first-round picks this year AND next year that he can package to make a run at Watson.

All that being said, it’d be pretty great for the Eagles if they found a way to acquire Watson. This is a quarterback who belongs in the “elite” conversation with a 67.8% career completion rate for 8.3 yards per attempt, 104 passing touchdowns, 36 interceptions, and a 104.5 passer rating. He’s also logged 31.1 rushing yards per game to go along with 17 total rushing scores.

The Eagles’ current grim outlook would improve quickly with Watson in the fold. With one big move, Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman could win back a lot of fans that seemingly feel more apathetic than ever about the team.

While it can be fun to dream, I’d advise against holding your breath on this one. I just don’t think it’s very realistic. There’s part of me that wonders if the Eagles wanted La Canfora (who is said to be tight with Roseman) to float this rumor out there to generate some buzz in an otherwise dead Eagles news cycle.

But, hey, I wouldn't mind being wrong about this one.