Every NFL team that needs a new quarterback need has looked at the situation in Houston this off-season after it was reported that Deshaun Watson could look for a change in the neighborhood. The Pro Bowl signals caller had to watch his best spread trade and reportedly had no say in the recent move to the Houston Texans front office – including the ongoing coaching search. Some view this situation between the Texans and Watson as unsavable, and that the quarterback will put the road sooner rather than later. Where exactly would Watson want to play in 2021? A recent report revealed Watson’s ‘pick order’, and his two best destinations are actually in the AFC East.
According to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald, Watson prefers to play for the New York Jets, and his number 2 option is the Miami Dolphins. Salguero reports that Watson has told people that the Jets are his top priority because they recently appointed Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Watson apparently appreciated Saleh so much that he wanted the Texans to interrogate him for their open coaching work.
The former San Francisco 49ers defense coordinator has established himself as one of the best in the league over the past few years, and his defense even helped the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV last year. Saleh was loved by his players, and his charisma made the Jets think he was able to quickly and efficiently establish a new culture built on success.
The Dolphins were the first team linked to Watson two weeks ago, but it’s interesting that Watson would also be good to play for Miami’s divisional rival. This is noteworthy, because if there is to be a proverbial arms race with drafts for Watson’s services, the opponent will be increased by two opponents fighting for him and the loser knows they have to play against him twice a year.
How many first-round picks will the Texans need to give Watson away? CBS NFL Insider Jonathan Jones spoke to several league sources about what could be included in this potential trade. Check out his piece here.