The price of success keeps going up. If the Washington Football Team wants Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, it's going to take at least two first-rounders, two seconds and two young defensive starters.
As former Redskins receiver Santana Moss used to say, "H to the L no."
The Texans are just punking people. Six players for one? I don't care if it's Sonny Jurgensen in his prime, nobody is worth six players. By the way, Washington traded quarterback Norm Snead for Jurgensen with each side throwing in another player. Now it’' six for one? Not on your Aunt Fanny's life.
If it was just two firsts and two seconds, OK. The NFL only allows three firsts in a deal max so this deal is a little creative, but given any team with Watson should make the playoffs, those picks are in the 20s in each round.
But the Texans want two defensive players? Now you’re disassembling a team. It might be easy for Washington to part with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen given it's the final year of his deal, but asking to throw in say safety Kamren Curl or defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis starts stripping the defense. Teams are chasing their tail making this kind of move.
Of course, Houston's offer looks reasonable when seeing Detroit traded quarterback Matt Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for two future firsts, a third and quarterback Jared Goff. But, that deal was increased to accept a salary dump of Goff. Detroit probably gained an extra first for that. Washington reportedly offered a first and third, but Detroit decided to take on Goff's salary for another first. So, the Stafford deal is apples and oranges versus Watson.
Washington's decision on overpaying for Watson is the future versus now. Rivera, and really every coach, is a now guy as shown by last season. Given Washington made the playoffs, Rivera can't be second guessed.
But this is an all-in move and Robert Griffin III showed why trading multiple picks can prove too costly when he was injured. Oh, the 2012 deal to draft Griffin looked OK while he was healthy, but that didn't last one year. Any time a first-round quarterback doesn't succeed it costs a team three years development. That's just one bad pick. Now factor in six players – it could set a team back at least five years.
Really, what NFL quarterback doesn't get hurt anymore. Oh, there are a few immortals like, say, Kirk Cousins. Most teams need at least two each year. Washington started four last season so who's to say Watson won't fall aside?
Trading for Watson is tempting knowing he could move this team into prime contention. But it's just too much of a risk. The team should concentrate on the draft and build because it's still a couple more offensive playmakers from truly contending.
Of course, owner Dan Snyder could get off his yacht and make this move, but once more the owner would be wrong.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
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