New York Giants: Deshaun Watson trade could set up possible Aaron Rodgers move

Deshaun Watson, New York Giants
Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) smiles after throwing a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Some quarterback scenarios are more likely than others for the New York Giants, but it’s worth looking into all options. The Giants have been listed by many as one of the teams that could benefit from a Deshaun Watson trade, but there may be another high profile quarterback on the market – that quarterback could be Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers is, of course, the older player. He has a longer track record of success but also has less effective years less in the league. He’s 37 years old and it’s likely not long before his age shows more in his game on the field.

However, Rodgers is still an elite quarterback as of now and some QB needy teams may be interested. Here’s what ESPN had to say about the situation.

Sources around the league don’t believe Rodgers is on the trade market at this point, but if Rodgers asks for a trade, the belief is that a team — or teams — would be willing to part with a first- and either a second- or third-round pick for Rodgers.

A Watson trade could help set the market as well, but the expectation is that the Texans would be able to land more than what Rodgers is worth given that Watson is 12 years younger.

What would this mean?

It seems the Packers may ask for more if Watson is traded and Rodgers is left as the one high profile quarterback available for a trade this offseason.

Why should Giants fans care about this?

Obviously, Aaron Rodgers making the switch to the Giants is an unlikely scenario. Daniel Jones has more years left in the league, after all. But if the Giants wanted to win now at all costs and take the next step to getting back in the Super Bowl, a move for an aging Rodgers is one fringe but still somewhat interesting path.

At the end of the day, if there’s a Rodgers trade, it’s likely there will be other QB needy teams that reach out before the Giants do.

But with the amount of talk created about the possibility of a Deshaun Watson trade, you have to wonder if the Giants would consider making a different trade for a franchise quarterback if Watson was considered but ultimately not traded for due to his contract or the Texans’ demands.

The public facing part of the Giants organization has expressed loyalty to Daniel Jones so far. But if the Giants want to go in a different direction, there may be a very good quarterback on the market for less cost than Watson.