The New England Patriots have suddenly gone from having the greatest quarterback in NFL history under centre for them to having, well, we're not quite sure yet.
The Pats announced they've brought back journeyman Bryan Hoyer on a one-year deal and he could be a potential stopgap in the meantime. But even with other quarterbacks available in free agency such as Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston, and the Panthers reportedly shopping Cam Newton, a Las Vegas gambling site has a surprising superstar quarterback starting for them in 2021.
And his name is Deshaun Watson.
BetOnline.ag currently has the 24-year-old as the team's 2021 week one quarterback at +300. Jarrett Stidham and Trevor Lawrence both follow at +500, but seriously? Lawrence to the Patriots? That seems like a bit of a stretch... no?
Imagine...
Watson isn't set to become a free agent until 2022, which means the Patriots would have to acquire him via trade. You'd THINK it would be nearly impossible to acquire a young stud in his prime but with Texans head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien at the helm, anything seems possible. O'Brien traded franchise star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals just last week and traded two first round picks away for left tackle Leremy Tunsil (who the team still has not signed yet). so Vegas is actually predicting he'll trade Watson away... wow.
For now, all we can do is wonder what Deshaun Watson would be like under Bill Belichick. Hopefully O'Brien could at least try to get a first-rounder this time around if it were to somehow happen.
(H/T FTW)