The Denver Broncos pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.
Although a franchise quarterback is on the move and has taken a potential destination for Deshaun Watson, it does indicate what the Houston Texans can expect in return when they finally follow through on the three-time Pro Bowler’s trade request.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Seahawks will get a “massive haul” that includes multiple first-round picks, additional draft picks, and even players.
The first element to take into consideration is the contract. Over the Cap shows that Wilson will count $37 million against the salary cap in 2022 and then $40 million in 2023. The Broncos are paying this amount to get the services of a proven signal caller at age 33 who has a couple more prime years ahead of him.
Watson’s contract has him making $40 million in 2022 and then $42 million in 2023. The numbers go down and provide relief to any team’s salary cap at $37 million in 2024 and then $32 million in 2025. The salary cap is expect to still increase throughout the rest of Watson’s contract. The former 2020 NFL passing champion will also be 27 years old through the first couple weeks of this season.
The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback has some accolades and has a 28-25 record with a 104-36 touchdown to interception ratio and a 104.5 passer rating. However, it doesn’t compare to what Wilson has produced since Seattle drafted him the third round in 2012. What Watson has to offer is more potential years in his prime. However, that may be in question given he hasn’t played football in a year. How susceptible would Watson be to soft tissue injuries?
Of course, Watson is going anywhere so long as he is remains embroiled in a lawsuit wherein 22 women allege he committed sexual assault. Watson’s depositions in the lawsuit are scheduled to begin March 11.
