Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson reportedly interested in these 2 teams
WATSON WATCH
16 February 2022
Watson has his eyes on these two teams, per report. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday morning that Deshaun Watson has two teams "on his radar." Watson has a no-trade clause, and he's evaluating teams that he might like to be traded to.
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
This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for a new QB with Tom Brady retired and Kyle Trask not quite ready to take the starting job. Plus, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelisserio recently reported that the Bucs could explore trades for Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson.
Minnesota was mentioned as "The biggest sleeper" for a Deshaun Watson trade by Jordan Schultz a few weeks ago.
Minnesota hasn't been able to get over the hump with Kirk Cousins, so it makes sense that they would consider Watson as an option, especially if his legal issues get resolved in a timely fashion.
Fowler also mentioned that Watson is early in his evaluation process, but "he's looking for the right blend of offensive system, coaching, talent and, most importantly, the chance to win."
Both teams seem to check those boxes. Especially, if Aaron Rodgers leaves Green Bay.
As far as compensation, the Bucs have the 27th overall pick and the Vikings have the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Bucs would likely have to include some players or some draft picks from the 2023 Draft to get this done.
Jake Meyers hit a go-ahead home run, and Josh Hader stranded a runner on third in the ninth inning to preserve the Houston Astros' 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
Chandler Simpson reached on catcher's interference to begin the ninth against Hader. Simpson advanced on a ground out before stealing third. Hader then got Taylor Wells to pop up a bunt and Isaac Paredes to pop out near third for his 12th save in 12 opportunities.
Meyers went 2 for 3 and hit his third home run on the second pitch from reliever Manuel Rodriguez (0-2) to put the Astros ahead in the seventh.
Meyers walked, stole his eighth base and scored on a double by Cam Smith as part of a three-run first inning against Rays starter Ryan Pepiot. Victor Caratini opened the scoring with his third home run — a two-out solo shot — and Chas McCormick capped it with an RBI single.
Houston's Colton Gordon — a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, making his second career start — allowed a single to Yandy Díaz leading off the first then retired 12 straight until Brandon Lowe singled in the fifth. Danny Jansen followed with his third homer to make it 3-2. Díaz and José Caballero had back-to-back doubles in the sixth to tie it.
Gordon allowed three runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts. Bryan King (2-0) got four outs for the win.
Pepiot allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings.
Key moment
King allowed a walk and a single to begin the seventh with a one-run lead but came back to strike out both Taylor Walls and pinch-hitter Jonathan Aranda swinging. Bryan Abreu entered and got Díaz on a grounder for the third out.
Key stat
The Rays have gone 10-8 on the road but just 11-18 at George M. Steinbrenner Field — their temporary home.
Up next
Rays RHP Zack Littell (3-5 4.31) starts Tuesday's middle game. The Astros have not announced a starter.
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