Houston Texans: Trade J.J. Watt For Philip Rivers?

By Dusty Haralson | Apr 3, 2015

J.J. Watt has been hands down, the most dominant defensive player in the National Football League in recent years. Via NFL.com, his career stats and accomplishments as a defensive end for the Houston Texans are unparalleled: 295 total tackles, 57 sacks, five touchdowns (3 on receptions), the NFL leader in sacks in 2012, a three-time Pro Bowler in his first four seasons and twice (2012 and 2014) the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

And I’m afraid he’s just getting started.

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With the former Wisconsin Badger coming off a career year, it puts the Texans in a very interesting spot. The trade value of Watt is sky high, and if Houston took a risk and traded him away, they could possibly reap the rewards if they execute their move properly.

Before the 2014 season kicked off, Watt signed a deal with the Texans worth $100 million for six years with a $30 million dollar signing bonus. At that rate, he will make $21 million a year, which is franchise-quarterback money. If you’re going to pay franchise quarterback money, wouldn’t you actually want a franchise quarterback?

I’ll put this in perspective for you. The Texans are down to the Indianapolis Colts, 34-30, with 56 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Houston has the ball on on their own 20. They need a big drive down the field to set up a game-winning touchdown, so they turn to their 20 million dollar man. Oh, wait, No. 99 is standing on the sidelines crossing his fingers.

Congratulations, now you have to count on Brian Hoyer to save the day. Good luck with that.

The problem with defensive ends are that they don’t touch the ball every play.

Recent reports from the San Diego Chargers suggest that they are shopping quarterback Philip Rivers. If Houston traded Watt, and say an early round pick (1st, 2nd or 3rd), for Rivers and later-round picks, that would be a pretty good trade for the Texans.

Rivers, along with offensive-minded head coach Bill O’Brien, running back Arian Foster, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and new additions in wideouts Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts all add up to a very explosive offense.

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The thing you must remember is, as long as Andrew Luck is in your division and staying healthy in Indy, you’ll need a quarterback that can go toe-to-toe with him. Sorry, but Brian Hoyer will not beat Luck in a shootout – ever. But a quarterback like Rivers is very capable of running a successful two-minute drill if necessary. If the Texans want any shot at being AFC South division champs, Rivers would be the perfect fit for their needs.

Yes, J.J. Watt would be a big loss, but the Watt-less Texans’ defense still have a pretty solid roster. With Brian Cushing, Johnathan Joseph, perhaps a healthy Jadeveon Clowney, and now veteran Vince Wilfork, this defense is explosive, has an abundance of experience and could still make an impact.

Watt is without a doubt the best defensive player in the league, and he has an impact on every game. Not many players can say that. Coming off his best year, I think the Texans should capitalize on his sky-rocketing market value and go after what every Super Bowl-contending team needs: A quarterback.

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