Could helping the Jets land Deshaun Watson be the key to a 49ers quarterback upgrade?

It’s Groundhog Day, so we thought we’d honor the holiday with another possible quarterback scenario for the 49ers this offseason. Since all indications are that the 49ers won’t be trading for Deshaun Watson, what if they helped their quarterback situation by making it easier for someone else to do just that? Leo Luna made that bold suggestion on today’s Niner Nate-tion Podcast.

“My dream scenario is to make a trade with the New York Jets. You have that relationship there with Robert Saleh,” Luna said, ”You’re going to give them a better package to go get Deshaun Watson. You give them the 12th pick this year, a one next year, and maybe your compensatory third pick this year for the #2 selection [in 2021]. Now the Jets pick up an extra one to try and get get Deshaun Watson, so that’s why they can do it. Watson’s marketing representation is in New York so it’s a fit, and now the 49ers are able to take Zach Wilson second overall by doing that.”

While it still seems crazy to me to trade for any other quarterback while Deshaun is available, this is actually a diabolically good scenario from Leo. The 49ers could potentially upgrade their most important position without having to completely mortgage future drafts, the Jets have a bounty to offer to the Texans, and Houston can say to their fan base, “we got five first round picks for the guy.” This assumes that the Jets offered Houston every first round pick they would have in the next two years, but still, if you’re the Jets, why not? As I said, It only impacts your drafts for two years thanks to the extra picks gained by trading Jamal Adams. Who turns that down?

Be sure to check out the rest of the conversation, as well as Leo’s observations from the Senior Bowl in today’s Niner Nate-tion Podcast. Listen here or on any major podcast platform.

Other topics covered in the episode

-How true is the report that the Niners never made an offer for Matt Stafford?

-Why do the 49ers keep checking in on QBs and never making a move?

-Which players could the Niners grab in the Draft to replenish their secondary?