USA TODAY Sports
If you try to list the teams that are interested in Texans fullback Deshaun Watson, it becomes easier to name the teams that should not be: Bills, Ravens, Chiefs, Packers, Seahawks, Chargers, Bengals.
The Jets should be interested. The New York Post recently suggested the possibility, with a back cover that says ‘WATEVER IT TAKES.’ Watson’s official Instagram account clicked ‘like’ on the picture, and many Jets fans asked that the team exchange for Watson.
A social media “like” on an Instagram image leading up to Watson’s retirement does not mean Watson wants to play for the Jets; that means he wants to play for a team other than the Texans. If / if the Texans agree to try to trade Watson, Watson is unlikely with the Jets.
As Chris Simms remarked on Tuesday PFT Live, Watson would have a great season with the Jets – and the Jets would most likely be 4-12. The team has too many other needs. The draft picks that would go to Houston to finalize the deal would make it even harder to meet those needs.
This is the broader problem that Watson faces, wherever he goes. If a team gives up three first-round picks to get him, Watson’s new team will have three fewer first-round picks, making it harder to put a quality team around him.
Still, if the Texans decide to trade Watson, the best way is to get a list of the teams Watson would play for (its non-trade clause gives veto power) and then hold an auction for Watson’s contract.
In league circles, there is constant talk that Watson wants to play for the Dolphins. As the Dolphins were able to return the first round from Houston (third overall) to the Texans as part of a trade, Miami was able to trade without undermining its ability to put a competitive team on the field.
So, if Jets fans trade for Watson of Houston, then the bad news may be that he trades twice a year to a team that plays the Jets.