The Jets' hiring of head coach Robert Saleh has quarterback Deshaun Watson intrigued.
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has made it known that he wants out of Houston, and he reportedly favors the New York Jets over the Miami Dolphins as his possible trade destinations.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported that Watson wants to play in the AFC East. Both the Dolphins and the Jets reside in the division. However, the Jets' hiring of Robert Saleh as head coach has Watson intrigued.
Watson went to New York in recent days but there have been no reports of the quarterback being linked to football conversations while there, according to Salguero.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman shared advice on Cris Collinsworth's podcast about what he thinks Watson should do.
"I’d get out of there as quickly as possible, I’d head to New York," Sherman said.
The quarterback situation for both teams have been shaky. However, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier named Tua Tagovailoa the 2021 starter, while Saleh spoke confidently about Sam Darnold's talent in New York.
“What I can tell you about Sam is he’s got unbelievable arm talent,” Saleh said. “There’s a reason why he was the No. 3 pick in the draft. He’s fearless in the pocket, he’s got a natural throwing motion, he’s mobile, he’s extremely intelligent and he’s tough as nails. His reputation in the locker room is unquestioned.”
Watson—a three-time Pro Bowler and 2020 NFL passing yards leader—has been unhappy with the organization after being left out of its hiring process for a new general manager and its early search for a new head coach. He offered input for the team's searches and hoped to represent the views of the players in the process.
Check out the latest news and notes from around the NFL:
- The Dolphins are naming Central Michigan offensive coordinator Charlie Frye as their quarterback coach. (Pete Thamel, Yahoo Sports)
- The NFL informed all teams that they are prohibited from timing, testing, interviewing in-person or giving medical exams to any draft-eligible players other than at schools' pro day or All-Star game due to ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The memo also stated that each club will be limited to three reps at any pro day, and there will not be a combine. (Tom Pelissero, NFL Network)
- Matt Patricia will be rejoining the Patriots, assisting the coaching staff in a variety of roles. Lions' research & analysis/assistant head coach Evan Rothstein will be joining New England, as well. (Jim McBride, Boston Globe)
- The Bears are hiring Sean Desai as their new defensive coordinator, who is believed to be the first individual of Indian heritage to become a coordinator in the league. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)