There is a belief within the league that the Seattle Seahawks will eventually acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.
In talking to friends around the league, the expectation from every single one of them is that when it happens, it happens.
The trade of starting quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos this week will come as a shock if the Seahawks land Watson.
After requesting a trade from the Texans, and facing 22 civil lawsuits from women who alleged he engaged in sexual assault and misconduct during massage sessions, he did not play last season. Eight of the women who filed lawsuits made criminal complaints. According to Sarah Barshop, a Texas grand jury was set to hear evidence on Friday and decide whether to indict someone.
The process of Houston trading him has been held up by the fact that the NFL has yet to make any decisions regarding potential punishment. If he is charged, he could still face a lengthy suspension under the league's personal conduct policy.
If he is cleared to play, he would be an ideal replacement for Wilson.
He is seven years younger than Wilson, so he would fit perfectly into the Seattle offense.
Over the four seasons that he has played in the NFL, he has been a three-time Pro Bowler and led the Texans to the playoffs twice.
He had his best season in 2020 when he completed 70.2 percent of his passes for a league-leading 4,823 yards and 33 touchdown. He scored three times and rushed for 444 yards.
He would have huge shoes to fill in Seattle, as he has never advanced beyond the divisional round of the playoffs.
Wilson was a nine-time Pro Bowler and missed only three games during his 10-year stint with the Seahawks. Seattle won one of the two Super Bowls he led.
Wilson completed 64.7% of his passes in the regular season, making him the most prolific passer in franchise history.
Wilson did a lot of damage with his legs, rushing for 4,689 yards and 23 touchdown.
Lock is the best option for now, although it is difficult to imagine him being anything more than a short-term option after he failed to establish himself in Denver.
If the Seahawks are able to trade for him and get him in the fold, they would instantly inject themselves into the Super Bowl conversation since theNFC feels wide open following the retirement of Tom Brady.