Texans superstar QB Deshaun Watson requests trade, what it means for Jets

Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston. He’s not a fan of the dysfunction surrounding the Texans organization. What should the Jets do?

In a move that’s been expected for quite some time now, Deshaun Watson has requested a trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Texans quarterback — who led the league in passing yards in 2020 despite an overwhelming level of dysfunction surrounding his organization, no more DeAndre Hopkins, and a putrid offensive line — wishes to part ways with the team that drafted him back in 2017.

This offseason may include a notable number of quarterbacks finding new teams. Watson stands as the possible lead dog, and a potential trade would undoubtedly be the top story of them all.

So what does this mean for the Jets?

Simple: They must make a move. Bring Watson to Florham Park and don’t look back. Look forward, because a future with him could indeed be extremely bright.

The general feeling around the league is that the Texans will want at least three first-round picks for him. And who could blame them? Watson is an absolute star and will continue to grow in this league. As was previously mentioned, he was able to incredibly produce with Houston in 2020 despite the number of negative situations surrounding him.

If the Jets, who will be one of the top contenders to acquire Watson, were to make a move, they’d need to give up the three first-rounders Houston would likely be requesting along with soon-to-be fourth-year quarterback Sam Darnold. The Jets possess that type of capital as well — they own two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts thanks to this past Summer’s trade of Jamal Adams to Seattle.

And it’s understandable if you prefer the Jets didn’t give up multiple first-round picks, especially since they’re rebuilding.

But impatience is growing within the fanbase. The supporters who pay hard-earned money to go to these games (pre and hopefully post-2020) are done hearing “next year they’ll be good” and “the following year they’ll be even better.” The team got its head coach in Robert Saleh and now needs to get its quarterback, and while offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s system may be beneficial for Darnold, it’s unclear if the USC product is truly their guy.

And in a division that includes a possible rising star in Tua Tagovailoa, 2020 All-Pro Josh Allen, and Bill Belichick, the Jets need a guy like this to help propel them to the next level. If they want to compete with the Bills, who currently look like the potential favorites to win the division for much of the next decade, a significant move must be made in Florham Park with no more patience to be had.

Watson would elevate the offense by lightyears and do so with elements of a Kyle Shanahan-type system that was 12th in passing with the 49ers this past season despite fielding inconsistent quarterbacks such as Nick Mullens, Jimmy Garoppolo, and C.J. Beathard. Not to mention, Deshaun would greatly develop young offensive weapons like Denzel Mims and La’Mical Perine while working with a rising star in left tackle Mekhi Becton.

The 25-year-old, however, has a no-trade clause in his contract, which means if a trade is agreed upon, he would need to confirm in writing that he accepts the move. But if he’s a fan of the situation he’d be in while playing in New York, you should expect him to give either party the green light.

It’s happening: Watson wants out of Houston. And although trades won’t become official until the new league year’s commencement on March 17, the Jets should hop on the phone.

It won’t be simple, that’s for sure. But no big trade is ever supposed to be.