At this point, Chicago Bears fans are begging for any sort of information they can get. What does their team have planned for the quarterback position? Is Deshaun Watson actually on the table or is it all media-driven nonsense? Everything to this point suggests the rift between Watson and the Houston Texans has grown to an extent where the quarterback is done. He wants out and he’s even willing to sit out the season if necessary. One person who actually brings some clarity to the situation for the Bears is Tashaun Gipson.
The team signed the veteran safety last offseason to replace the departed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He ended up putting together a strong year, collecting two interceptions and being a strong presence all over the field. What people forget is the year before he was a starter for the Texans. So he has quite a few connections inside that locker room. Has he heard about what’s going on?
His answer on the Hoge & Jahns podcast said it all.
“Listen, man, I can tell you, honestly, not just from the outside, but speaking from the inside, it’s just different. It’s different.”
“Never in my wildest dreams would I thought that a quarterback in his prime – I mean, he hasn’t even hit his prime – for him to want out after he signed for a life-changing contract, it’s on par with everything that everyone has been hearing. Let’s just say that.”
Gipson made it clear he and Watson are friends. They developed a strong relationship in their time together in 2019, helping Houston make the playoffs and win a playoff game. So he’s not just spitting second or third-hand stuff. It’s quite possible he’s heard details from the man himself. That should speak to just how ugly the situation is.
This is why Adam Schefter said the team Watson lands on is somewhat secondary in his mind. He just wants to get out of Houston. Owner Cal McNair and especially his right-hand man Jack Easterby have not handled running the organization well for years now and it’s only gotten worse. Trading DeAndre Hopkins. Hiring Nick Caserio behind his back after saying the QB would be kept in the loop. It’s all been too much.
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Tashaun Gipson is prepared to recruit Watson
He made that clear towards the end of the interview. His desire is to stay in Chicago as a starter alongside Eddie Jackson. The added bonus to that idea? He’d be in the perfect position to pitch Watson on the idea of coming to Chicago. Remember the quarterback was smart enough to put a no-trade clause in his recent contract extension. This means he has some leverage on where Houston sends him if and when they start fielding calls.
A number of former players have already talked up the Bears as a viable landing spot. Ryan Clark, Greg Jennings, and even Watson’s childhood idol Michael Vick. It certainly wouldn’t hurt having a former teammate and friend put in a good word as well. Chicago presents an intriguing landing spot. Big city with a large African-American population. A coaching staff headlined by a quarterback specialist. Good defense. A solid array of weapons.
It isn’t a terrible sales pitch to make.
Tashaun Gipson should know having experienced it first-hand. It comes down to whether the Bears can put together a strong enough trade package to convince the Texans it’s worth accepting. If that happens, they’ll be able to make their pitch to the quarterback himself. Smart money says the number of high-quality characters like Gipson and Nagy should be able to bend his ear.
