Atlanta Falcons Rumors: Trading for Deshaun Watson not out question

Atlanta Falcons are amidst the swirling trade rumors

There are rumors swirling that an elite quarterback may want to be traded and there’s no question that the Atlanta Falcons should be interested.

NBC Sports’ Mike Florio reported Thursday morning that Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson has approached teammates about potentially asking for a trade. Of course, Florio pointed out that Watson’s position on being traded may very well be to make a point to upper management about respecting his views on decisions made within the franchise.

Watson just signed a massive four-year contract, but Florio said the contract would not be as difficult to navigate as far as cap room is concerned in a trade as many might think on the outside looking in.

"“Trading him would result in a cap charge of $21.6 million. The Herschel-sized haul of draft picks that a Deshaun Watson trade would generate would more than justify it,” Florio said."

The Atlanta Falcons are among the teams Florio has pinpointed as potential destinations if Watson, indeed, does end up being traded

Who does Florio think would be interested in Watson at this point? He pegged the Patriots, Falcons, Steelers, Colts, Raiders, Broncos, Eagles, Washington, Lions, Saints, Panthers and Bears, Buccaneers (if Tom Brady is one and done) and 49ers all as potential suitors.

That’s certainly quite the list.

The main problem the Falcons will have is related to cap space. They could cut Matt Ryan or potentially trade him to make room to take Watson’s $21.6 million hit, but that would leave very little- even getting out of Ryan’s contract– on the bone for potential pieces added to the roster.

Also, you’ve got to realize the amount of draft capital that would have to be given up to the Texans to get Watson. You’re probably talking about this year’s first-round pick, a second-round pick and potentially two to three more picks combined with future capital and you may have to give up a talented player, as well.

Would it be worth it, though, if you could offload Ryan’s contract- even giving up so many draft picks- to have one of the best young quarterbacks in the league on your roster? It’s certainly something to consider.

For now, all of this is just rumor but it will be interesting to see how the Watson saga unfolds over the next few months and what part the Atlanta Falcons play in all of it as we inch closer to the draft.