The superstar quarterback’s desire to get out of Houston has now become official, according to reports.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has officially requested a trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Deshaun Watson officially has requested a trade from the Houston Texans, per league sources. He actually did it weeks ago. Their new head-coaching hire, David Culley, has not and will not alter Watson’s thinking.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2021
Rumors surrounding the star quarterback have been circulating for weeks. Now, it appears to be set in stone that the NFL’s leading passer in 2020 will be wearing a new uniform in 2021. Possessing a no-trade clause in his contract, Watson will have plenty of say in deciding where he goes.
With the bombshell report, all eyes immediately turn to the New York Jets.
Over the past few weeks, plenty of signs have been pointing New York’s way in regards to Watson’s future. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported that the Jets are the No. 1 team on Watson’s wishlist, one spot ahead of the Dolphins.
NEW…Deshaun Watson has a pecking order of teams he’d like to play for. Dolphins aren’t No. 1https://t.co/87INNlJNTl
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) January 23, 2021
Miami figures to be right up there with the Jets as one of the top competitors for Watson, boasting a similarly alluring collection of draft ammunition.
Richard Sherman suggested the Jets as the best landing spot for Watson on the Cris Collinsworth Podcast.
🗣️ @RSherman_25 has some advice for Deshaun Watson 👀✈️ pic.twitter.com/eoDJ8PMoaO
— PFF (@PFF) January 20, 2021
Watson was spotted buying a new car in Philadelphia, where his agent can be heard suggesting that the car be painted “jet green.”
don’t know if this is from today or years ago but this is deshaun watson buying a car in philly. the salesman says he wants deshaun to sign with philly. his agent says they want the car to turn “jet green”.
CHRIST
— jets west (#1 ashtyn davis fan) (@jetstothewest) January 20, 2021
Watson himself liked an Instagram post that suggested the Jets trade for him.
The Jets have plenty of assets to deal for Watson, thanks to the Jamal Adams trade, as they have two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts and an extra third-round pick this year. After a 2-14 season, their own picks are positioned excellently in this year’s draft, sitting at No. 2 overall in the first round and No. 33 overall in the second.
Obviously, the question is and will continue to be, how much will Joe Douglas and the Jets be willing to give up? As a team in rebuilding mode, will they feel comfortable about selling the farm of assets they have constructed?
The rumor mill will continue to circulate over the next month-plus until the new league year begins on March 17, the first day that trades can officially be processed. While we sit and wait, the debates will rage on endlessly regarding who Watson’s new team will be and how much they should give up to acquire him.
