USA TODAY Sports
When trying to list the teams that should be interested in the Texan quarterback Deshaun Watson, it is easier to list the teams that should not be: Bills, Ravens, Chiefs, Packers, Seahawks, Chargers, Bengals.
The Jets must be interested. O New York Post recently suggested this possibility, with a last page displaying “WATEVER IT TAKES”. Watson’s official Instagram account clicked “like” on the image, which led many Jets fans to cry out for the team to switch to Watson.
A “like” on social media on an Instagram image prompting Watson to leave does not mean that Watson wants to play for the Jets; that means he wants to play for a team other than the Texans. If / when the Texans agree to try to negotiate Watson, Watson landing with the Jets is unlikely.
As Chris Simms pointed out on Tuesday PFT Live, Watson would have a great season with the Jets – and the Jets would very likely be 4-12. The team has many other needs. The draft choices that would go to Houston to close the deal would make it even more difficult to meet those needs.
This is the broader problem that Watson will face, wherever he goes. If a team gives up on a trio of choices in the first round to get it, Watson’s new team will have three fewer choices in the first round, making it more difficult to put a quality team around them.
Still, if the Texans decide to try to negotiate with Watson, the best move is to get a list of the teams Watson would play for (his non-negotiation clause gives him veto power) and then hold an auction for Watson’s contract.
There is persistent talk in league circles that Watson wants to play for the Dolphins. Given that the Dolphins could send Houston’s first round (third overall) pick back to Texans as part of an exchange, Miami could make the exchange without impairing its ability to put a competitive team on the field.
So basically, while Jets fans are fighting to get Watson to switch from Houston, the bad news may be that he has switched to a team that the Jets play twice a year.