Should the Saints acquire Watson?

By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints were once 5-2 last season while being ranked 32nd in passing YPG in the league. The Saints were beating squads like the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and the Seattle Seahawks with a mediocre passing attack. The Saints crumbled in the second half of the season, but they also lost Jameis Winston from a season-ending injury on October 31st, Taysom Hill for many games, and they never received Michael Thomas back from injury (missed the entire season).

It’s really safe to say we can expect the 5-2 version of the Saints back in 2022 if they bring back Jameis Winston. With that said, it’s worth noting that the ceiling of the 5-2 Saints is still scary. The Saints could really skyrocket their offense and team with Michael Thomas healthy and potentially an upgrade from Winston.

If the Saints brought in Deshaun Watson, as they have reportedly offered the Texans a deal for him, they would instantly have the NFL’s top offensive trio. Watson, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas would be an unearthly offensive force.

The new-look offense would have an elite defense to help them, as well. The Saints had the eighth-most sacks in 2021 and they also allowed the fewest yards per carry (3.7) last season. They also accomplished these marks with Marcus Davenport, who was once called the Saints best defense player by Dennis Allen, out of the lineup for six games. I believe when Davenport is healthy and Marshon Lattimore is playing at a high level, the Saints have the best defense in the NFL.

There are many Saints fans that may believe a trade for Watson is like a “deal with the devil”. Watson won’t be facing criminal charges, but I would like to see him receive a suspension. According to Clutch Points, Watson could still face a suspension from the league.

So, should the Saints have any concern for Watson’s persona? The legendary Saints head coach didn’t want to trade for Watson, while the new head coach Dennis Allen does want to acquire him. From a pure business perspective, Watson is a Top 5 QB and it “appears” he is more likely than Winston to help the Saints win another Super Bowl trophy. He was easily a Top 3 QB in 2020 with 4,823 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and 444 rushing yards.

I ultimately believe Watson was going to most likely have a future in the league and it really appears the legal system has helped him hit the ground running soon. Michael Vick went to jail for 548 days and he returned as a Pro Bowl-caliber QB with the Philadelphia Eagles. Even if Watson was handed a reasonable worst-case outcome from the courts (as I believe he deserved), I would expect the 26-year-old QB to have another opportunity in the NFL.

I would still like to see him come back stronger and I am still rooting for him. It may be easy to slam him while a million other people do as a “keyboard warrior”, but he is a hard worker and he can grow. The world just watched Ben Roethlisberger, also known as Big Ben, turn to faith after his recent exit from the league.

All in all, Watson is a gifted athlete and a shady personality at this day in age, who can potentially make a few QB-needy teams a serious playoff soon. I would still like to see the Saints still ride with their old guns in 2022. Myself and many Who Dat Nation fans are more intrigued in witnessing Jameis Winston re-sign with the Saints. Watson might be shiny in some ways, but I believe there’s a certain combination of factors that should form another marriage between Winston and the Saints. The former Florida State QB has familiarity with the Saints, he’s still ascending, he’s a much better fit for the Saints culture, and the Saints wouldn’t have to cough up “likely at least 3 first-round picks” to bring back Winston.