Longshot quarterback options who could make Saints a contender in 2022

4. Deshaun Watson

Trading for Deshaun Watson is a controversial topic and for good reason. The former No. 12 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is currently facing 22 sexual assault lawsuits and hasn’t played this season for the Texans. The lawsuits aren’t actually why Watson isn’t playing. He demanded a trade from Houston before the lawsuits came about and the Texans have yet to grant him his wish.

It feels like when Watson is traded (and it’s when and not if) it’ll be to the Miami Dolphins, who is currently the only team he’s waived his no-trade clause for. The Dolphins said a lot about how they feel about Tua Tagovailoa with their interest in Watson but if the Clemson quarterback is eligible to play in 2022 and beyond, the Dolphins would benefit from having him on their roster.

Last year, Watson led the league in passing yards with 4,823 yards while also throwing for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Texans missed the playoffs, even with that kind of performance from Watson, so it’s not shocking that he wanted out of Houston.

Watson would have to waive his no-trade clause in order for the Saints to have a shot at him and they also would have to clear up a lot of cap space to be able to afford him. If he did come to the Big Easy, however, the Saints’ offense would go from bad to good just like that.