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Houston Texans 2022 mock draft: Trading Watson, starting fresh

By Sayre Bedinger

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks for an open receiver during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks for an open receiver during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the sidelines in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Predicting a Deshaun Watson trade…with the Pittsburgh Steelers

With rumors of Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement getting louder and louder, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers will be extremely aggressive in the 2022 offseason in finding a way to effectively replace a living legend at the most important position on the roster.

Aaron Rodgers rumors have popped up, but I think we could see the Steelers get in on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes if the Texans truly make him available.

The Steelers aren’t going to be picking very high in the 2022 NFL Draft, so trading picks for a player like Watson who could stabilize the position for the next decade?

I think Pittsburgh would be willing to pay that price, whatever it is.

The Steelers pride themselves on organizational stability, though Watson would certainly need to be vetted in this case.

The Steelers would be an intriguing destination for Watson because they have a plethora of weapons for him to get the ball to as well as a very good defense to back him up. Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth…the Steelers certainly don’t lack for options in the passing game.

What would Houston get back?

Steelers get

  • QB Deshaun Watson

Texans get

  • 2022 1st round pick
  • 2022 2nd round pick
  • 2023 1st round pick
  • 2023 2nd round pick
  • 2024 1st round pick

It’s better to guess on the high end for the return from any team acquiring Watson. The Texans will understandably be holding out for prime value and NFL Draft real estate given the fact that Watson is the most valuable asset they have and even though he’s not part of the future, he’s key to the way this team’s roster will be constructed moving forward.

Onto the three-round mock draft with these new selections.

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