The 49ers have to wish they could have a do-over from the 2017 NFL Draft. A lot of teams do.
If they could go back in time, there's almost no way the 49ers wouldn't take Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson with their top pick instead of trading back from No. 2 to No. 3 and selecting defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. Now, they might have a chance.
After a 4-12 season and no first-round draft pick this year, the Houston Texans could be in for a long rebuild. That likely isn't something Watson is interested in. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Thursday that rumors already are circling that Watson has discussed the idea of requesting a trade with some of his teammates. The 49ers should do whatever they can to mend a past mistake and trade for Watson if the star quarterback becomes available.
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Tyrann Mathieu agrees.
The Kansas City Chiefs' star safety believes the 49ers -- along with the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears -- should be all-in on trying to acquire Watson.
Watson, 25, is what almost every team wishes they had right now. He's a young, dual-threat quarterback who can change a franchise and lead a team to a Super Bowl. The three-time Pro Bowl QB led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards this season despite the Texans trading star receiver DeAndre Hopkins over the offseason. Watson set career-highs in completion percentage (70 percent) and passing touchdowns (33) while also being intercepted a career-low seven interceptions.
Watson also rushed for 444 yards, the second-highest of his career, and added three more TDs on the ground.
San Francisco 49ers
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Mathieu and Watson were teammates for the 2018 season. Mathieu knows just how great of a teammate Watson is, and now as a member of the Chiefs, he knows just how hard he is to stop. Giving Watson the keys to an offense that includes receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, along with tight end George Kittle, would be a defense's worst nightmare.
This likely is just a pipedream for 49ers fans. In the case that it could become a reality, general manager John Lynch and the rest of San Francisco's decision makers have to do whatever it takes to finally get Watson in a 49ers jersey.