Kansas City Chiefs standout cornerback Jaylen Watson could be a reliable trade asset for this upcoming NFL Draft next month. According to Pro Football Focus, the source names Watson as a potential trade candidate this offseason as the Chiefs made some moves in their secondary department. After signing cornerback Kristian Fulton, it might not leave a bright future for Watson who is coming off a leg injury last year despite being a standout coverman with a 71.6 PFF coverage grade. However, the team has yet to find a reliable replacement since last offseason trading away L’Jarius Sneed after not having the financial liberty to give him the deal he wanted.
Trent McDuffie was the best cornerback on this secondary unit that stepped up for the Chiefs to fill his shoes. Other cornerbacks such as Chamarri Conner, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson and Watson will become free agents next offseason which means one of them will probably be on the trade block. PFF believes Watson has more upside than the other three after having a promising 2024 campaign despite the absence of Sneed. Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Washington State product has a lot of potential if he can stay healthy but the Chiefs wouldn’t lose anything if they trade him.
The team would be better off establishing McDuffie in this secondary unit and giving him an extension since he’s been able to stay healthy. Before Watson potentially suffers another injury, the Chiefs should probably ship him off to these five teams since they have a deep cornerback room.
PFF: Chiefs Standout Jaylen Watson Named Best Trade Asset – 5 Possible Next Teams
Potential Trade Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Kansas City Chiefs would probably want to send one of their talent to the NFC rather than their own conference. Last offseason, the Saints sent Marshon Lattimore in a trade and after losing Paulson Adebo this offseason, the team needs a cornerback in the worst way. Kool-Aid McKinstry has a lot of upside in this secondary unit but he can’t do it alone and Jaylen Watson could easily start for the Saints.
Dallas Cowboys
It’s been an interesting offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, especially after trading for Kaiir Elam. However, they did this after losing Jourdan Lewis to the Jaguars but this may speculate what may happen with Trevon Diggs’ future since he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Jaylen Watson might not start but it gives the cornerback unit some competition to see who could pair a tandem with DaRon Bland.
Washington Commanders
Last year, the team brought in Marshon Lattimore but there has been no discussion of bringing him back. Jonathan Jones signing with the Commanders won’t help them get back in the NFC Championship so they need a replacement for Lattimore. Jones is on a one-year while there aren’t any proven cornerbacks on this roster so the team trading for Watson would immediately bolster this unit.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had one of the worst pass secondaries last year. Brandon Stephens left for a new opportunity which leaves Marlon Humphrey as the only capable cornerback but as he’s aging, they need a replacement soon. Nate Wiggins is still developing so the team trading for Watson would be a major upgrade for this entire unit.
Carolina Panthers
The 2024 offseason was all about rebuilding the foundation for quarterback Bryce Young. Now, the team has finally been making improvements to solidify its pass defense re-signing Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn to new deals. Jackson has a bright future but he could use some depth behind him and Watson is a proven cornerback to do it.
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