It’s another offseason with rumors of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr being traded. Despite the lack of substantial evidence in years past, rumors swirled of players like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and now Deshaun Watson joining the Silver and Black. While this is primarily a lot of offseason fun, Raiders fans cannot help but get involved in the discussion.
Coming off his best season since 2016, Derek Carr has improved greatly in three years in Jon Gruden’s system. Throwing for over 4,000 yards, a 27/9 TD/int ratio, and remaining one of the most accurate passers in the NFL, Carr was definitely not the reason for the Raiders’ shortcomings.
So far this offseason, rumors have swirled of Carr being potentially involved in trade discussions, and that the Raiders may pursue Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Reading these rumors as a Raiders fan, I have heard it all before. In last year’s offseason, Brady was the discussion after many outlets tried to connect the dots there.
Last year came and went and Brady has now led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl appearance.
Although Carr seems firmly planted as the Raiders quarterback next season, why not entertain the idea of a top-5 quarterback in the Silver and Black. Watson has been an absolute stud since emerging from Clemson in 2017, and even after being a National Championship QB, Watson had plenty of doubters coming into the draft.
After being the third QB selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Watson has not looked back since. In his best season in 2020, Watson threw for over 4,800 yards, 33/7 TD/int ratio, and a 70% completion percentage. Deshaun has easily become a top-5 QB in football and one of the most exciting players to watch.
This article is not to take away from Carr’s great season, but rather to shed light on what might not be the biggest pipe dream. Here are three reasons why Deshaun Watson to Vegas is slightly possible.