It’s been Standoff City between disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson, who clearly wants out of Houston, and the Texans, who have repeatedly told teams their star signal-caller isn’t available. Despite the organization continuing to put on a brave public face, it’s hard to imagine Houston salvaging its fractured relationship with Watson, who resents the Texans for not involving him in their head-coaching search this offseason (not to mention they traded away his top receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, for pennies on the dollar).
In all likelihood, Houston’s hard stance on Watson is a negotiating tactic aimed at procuring the best offer possible as the Texans embark on a lengthy rebuild. Reports of Watson’s preferred destinations have been all over the map, though some have speculated the former 12th overall pick could have his sights set on the Big Apple. However, Jeremy Fowler seemed to pour a bucket of cold water on that theory Friday, suggesting the Jets are not a likely suitor in the ongoing Watson sweepstakes.
“[Watson’s] got a list. I didn’t get all the teams, but I was told the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers are two of them,” said Fowler during his appearance on Get Up. “I also asked the source about the Jets and the Dolphins because they have the most draft capital this year and the next few years. I was told the Jets … eh probably not, maybe more so the Dolphins as far as viability.”
Amid Watson rumors, new coach Robert Saleh has been noticeably noncommittal about Sam Darnold beginning next season as the Jets’ starter. New York owns the second pick in the upcoming draft, which the Jets could use as either a trade chip in Watson talks or on a quarterback like Justin Fields, an All-American and former Heisman finalist during his two-year stint at Ohio State. Zach Wilson of BYU could also be in play at No. 2, assuming the Jaguars do the sensible thing and draft Clemson prodigy Trevor Lawrence first overall.
While the Jets apparently aren’t as high on Watson’s wish list as we once thought, it doesn’t sound like new GM Nick Caserio is too keen on moving his franchise quarterback. “[Watson] has to wait this out. He’s got the no-trade clause in his contract,” Fowler relayed to ESPN’s Mike Greenberg. “But it’s all about the Texans continuing to tell teams—and they believe them—that they’re not going to trade Deshaun Watson. I’ve talked to several execs who think GM Nick Caserio is dug in here.”
While the Texans continue to sort out their future—and whether or not Watson will be a part of it—Houston waved goodbye to three-time Defensive Player of the Year, JJ Watt earlier today. The future Hall-of-Famer had reportedly asked for his release, which the Texans ultimately granted, ending his decade-long tenure with the team.
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