Ranking the top five trade destinations for Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson is the best quarterback currently available in the trade market. He last played during the 2020 season, when he led the entire NFL in passing yards. He is still just 26 years old, so there will likely be many teams interested in acquiring the superstar quarterback from the Houston Texans.

After recent news emerged that he will not be facing any criminal charges in relation to the sexual misconduct allegations levied by two dozen women, the buzz surrounding his exit has really started to heat up. According to an NFL insider, there are five teams that appear to be the front runners right now.

Of the five potential destinations, here is how they would rank in terms of ideal situations for Deshaun Watson, having his best chance of competing for a Super Bowl.

Ranking the top five landing spots for Deshaun Watson

#5 - Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are yet to commit to Baker Mayfield being their future quarterback. They haven't given him a contract extension, which is why they could potentially be in the market for Watson. He would be a significant upgrade from Mayfield without sacrificing youth. The Browns finished the 2021 season with an 8-9 record, so they would almost definitely be playoff contenders with Watson.

#4 - New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints got off to a hot start to the 2021 season, winning five of their first seven games. They unfortunately struggled for the rest of the year after losing Jameis Winston to a season-ending injury and finished the season with a 9-8 record, just barely missing out on the playoffs. They appeared to be right in the mix to make a run at the playoffs with Winston, so upgrading to Deshaun Watson could take them to the next level.

Ranking the top five landing spots for Deshaun Watson

Here is how the top five potential destinations for Deshaun Watson would rank according to their postseason hopes by adding him.

#3 - Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers experienced some of the worst quarterback production in the entire NFL last season. Their three starting quarterbacks combined for a disappointing 14 touchdowns and 21 interceptions across the entire season. Their failures were one of the biggest reasons why the Panthers finished the season with just a 5-12 record.

The Panthers appear to be just a quarterback away from being legitimate playoff contenders. Adding Watson would make them the heavy favorites to win the NFC South division, especially if Christian McCaffrey can remain healthy.

#2 - Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a spot in the 2021 NFL Playoffs despite Ben Roethlisberger's below-average production. Adding an elite quarterback like Deshaun Watson could potentially elevate them from a potential playoff team to a legitimate a Super Bowl contender.

Besides Roethlisberger, who officially announced his retirement, the Steelers are returning pretty much all of their key players from a season ago. They should be aggressive in pursuing a quarterback and Watson is the best player currently available.

#1 - Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks recently traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, so they are currently in need of a new quarterback. They could potentially flip some of the Assets they received back in the Wilson deal and turn it into Watson, who is seven years younger and also elite.

Of the five teams listed as potential destinations for Deshaun Watson, the Seahawks have the best offensive weapons to offer. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett combined for one of the best wide receiver duos in the entire NFL.