The Deshaun Watson trade speculations have settled to a simmer, at least for now, but in Jets camp, the quarterback position still needs to be figured out.
With reports of New York fielding calls for potential Sam Darnold trades, uncertainty around Darnold’s future with Gang Green is at an all-time high. It may not mean a deal is imminent, but NBC Sports’ Peter King joined Moose & Maggie on Wednesday to stress that Jets general manager Joe Douglas wouldn’t be doing his job if the team wasn’t listening to potential offers for a quarterback that has yet to prove himself as a long-term solution.
“Joe Douglas would be usurping his own authority and the intelligent way to do his job if he didn’t take calls on Sam Darnold,” King said. “I have not talked to Joe Douglas…so I’m not going to pretend to say I know what’s going on, because I don’t. But a general manager, in this particular case and this particular offseason, has to be ready for anything.”
One of those seemingly endless possibilities in an offseason that can significantly shake up the quarterback landscape across the league is Watson, who reportedly wants out of Houston despite recent comments from Texans general manager Nick Caserio stressing that Watson wasn’t going anywhere.
Watson, one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, would represent a massive upgrade for the Jets should he become available, which means Douglas and the front office better be doing their due diligence and continuously checking in on Watson’s availability.
“Clearly, there’s a chance that they’re going to be able to get Deshaun Watson,” King said. “If you can get Deshaun Watson, you’re not going to keep Sam Darnold. So you have to find out. You have to call Chris Ballard, GM of the Colts. You have to call Ryan Pace, GM of the Bears. You have to discuss it with Nick Caserio of the Texans. ‘If you need a quarterback, what would you be willing to pay for Sam Darnold?’ That’s what I think these discussions are.”
Multiple dominoes need to fall before the Jets quarterback situation is settled, including a potential Carson Wentz trade, but Watson remains the big unknown. But for anyone hoping Watson’s fate is decided soon, King preaches patience. Jets fans will likely have to wait to figure out exactly who will be under center next season.
“I think this is going to be awhile,” King said. “If I’d have to guess, he won’t get traded by the draft.”
Listen to King's full interview with Moose & Maggie below!
Follow WFAN's midday team on Twitter: @MandMWFAN, @MarcMalusis, and @MaggieGray
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch