Chris Simms conducted an ask-me-anything version of his podcast, Chris Simms Unbuttoned, and spent a good deal of time discussing quarterback Deshaun Watson and his situation with the Houston Texans. Watson wants out, but the Texans want to repair the estranged relationship.
There would be high demand if Watson were actually able to force a trade. His no-trade clause means that he would have a lot of say in any potential destination. It's not a stretch to believe that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan might be intrigued by the possibility of adding a talent like Watson to his offense. Of course, there is no urgency on the part of the 49ers, as they have made it clear they are pleased to move forward with Jimmy Garoppolo.
San Francisco has seemingly been linked to every quarterback rumor. The team reportedly inquired about Matthew Stafford and Carson Wentz, but nothing indicates that it was serious about either. The Detroit Lions received a haul from the Los Angeles Rams for Stafford, and the Philadelphia Eagles sent Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts.
Many believe that trade talks for Watson will begin with three first-rounders. Others feel that a trade won't be considered without a premier young talent being included. There has been speculation that it might take adding a talent like defensive end Nick Bosa to the mix.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel wasn't too enthusiastic about that prospect, by the way.
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Simms doesn't feel it will come to that. The analyst can't envision a scenario in which his friend, Shanahan, would be willing to part with Bosa. Simms notes that his comments aren't based on any inside information that he might have in the 49ers coach's thinking. He does feel San Francisco should make a play for Watson, though. Bosa simply shouldn't be part of the discussions.
"I don't think they would give away Nick Bosa," Simms said. "I don't. The defense is formulated around the pass rush. Dee Ford, it doesn't look good that he's going to be able to play. I don't know where he's going to be at. I mean, the injury has to be a concern. He was nonexistent [in 2020].
"Now, you're going to lose Nick Bosa who really — we said this a lot — before the injury, Nick Bosa was one of the best defensive players in football. I don't think Shanahan -- I don't think they would sacrifice that. I don't. I don't. I don't think they would let go of Nick Bosa."
Simms adds that Shanahan is confident that he can make his offense "go" with nearly any quarterback, as long as he stays healthy. However, the defense depends on a strong defensive line, and trading away Bosa might be too significant a loss to overcome.
You can listen to the entire podcast below. The portion about Bosa begins at about the 39:40 mark.
