NFL executives believe that if traded, Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson could fetch three first-round draft picks, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The Steelers have been mentioned as a possible destination for the unhappy Houston star, though one seen as a significant long shot. The most recent odds from SportsBetting.com gives the Steelers 30/1 odds at landing Watson, if he’s traded.
Watson has a no-trade clause and could dictate where the Texans are able to trade him. He grew unhappy with the organization over the process used to hire new general manager Nick Caserio from the New England Patriots.
Watson was the league’s most prolific passer in 2020, throwing for 4,823 yards for an 8.9 yards per attempt average, both of which led the league. He also threw 33 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 112.4.
The Steelers have traded a first-round draft pick just once since 1968, when they traded their 2020 first-rounder to Miami for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Steelers have traded multiple first-round picks just once in their history, when they exchanged their top selections in 1958 and 1959 and linebacker Marv Matuszak with San Francisco for quarterback Earl Morrall and guard Mike Sandusky. The Steelers traded Morrall just over a year later to Detroit for Bobby Layne.