Deshaun Watson has not formally requested a trade from the Houston Texans (at least not publicly), though some sources believe that Watson has taken his final snap in Houston.
Watson is not only displeased with various moves made by the Texans front office — particularly owner Cal McNair — in recent years, but he's reportedly grown increasingly frustrated by the organization's consistent refusal to take his input into consideration.
On The Chris Collinsworth Podcast, co-host and San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman shared his take on where he believes Watson should next take his talents.
“If I was Deshaun, I would get out of there as quickly as possible. I'd head to New York,” Sherman told Collinsworth and co-host George Chahrouri. “… The Jets. It would be the most beautiful [situation]. A decent offensive line. They'd have to find threats. They'd have to find some offensive weapons. But I think there would be a lot more people excited to be there.
The Jets own the no. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and a treasure trove of future draft picks, which they could include in a trade package for Watson, along with 23-year old QB Sam Darnold.
New York recently hired former Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to be their next head coach, with whom Sherman is clearly familiar.
“They're going to be able to put a team together, and if [Watson is] at the helm, they immediately become a contender in not only that division but the AFC in general,” Sherman added.
Sherman is not the only star to encourage Watson to rid himself of the dysfunction with the Texans. Following the team's Week 17 loss, franchise legend J.J. Watt apologized to his teammate on behalf of the Houston organization.
"I'm sorry, we wasted one of your years."
Watt to Watson after a tough season. pic.twitter.com/mcTVK3ZeJG
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 5, 2021
Even the famously quiet Andre Johnson — who starred in Houston from 2003-15 — used his first non-sponsored Twitter post since Apr. 2019 to criticize the Texans.
“If I’m @deshaunwatson I will stand my ground,” Johnson wrote. “The Texans organization is known for wasting players careers. Since Jack Easterby has walk into the building nothing good has happened in/for the organization and for some reason someone can’t seem to see what’s going on. Pathetic!!!”
When Dre speak listen. https://t.co/hMdP2rsUJr
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) January 12, 2021
Two AFC East rivals of the Jets — the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots (as well as every team without a franchise QB) — should call Houston about the 25-year old Watson, too. Miami could entice the Texans brass by offering a package featuring QB Tua Tagovailoa and draft picks.
The Jets are projected to have roughly $70 million in cap space this offseason, per Over the Cap.
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