The NY Jets are reportedly ‘a top priority’ for Deshaun Watson

The rumors surrounding the NY Jets and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson continue to swirl. And on Thursday, upon news of his official trade request, another interesting rumor has emerged.

NFL Hall of Famer and analyst Shannon Sharpe spoke on Undisputed on Thursday about Watson’s future and he made sure to note the team that the superstar quarterback has the most interest in.

Sharpe broke the news earlier in the morning that Watson had requested a trade weeks ago and that Houston had already known of his intentions prior to today’s report. Notably, he put the odds that Watson is traded at “99 percent.”

But what will interest Jets fans the most is what Sharpe had to say about Watson’s desire to play for the green and white.

“He wants out. The Jets are a top priority for him.”

His partner, Skip Bayless, then asked Sharpe if it was because of the New York market. To which Sharpe replied, “He really likes Robert Saleh.”

Deshaun Watson reportedly wants the NY Jets because of Robert Saleh

Saleh is one of two candidates that Watson requested the Texans interview after owner Cal McNair told his star quarterback that he could have a say in the hiring process.

But despite promising Watson that he would have a say, the Texans were the only team not to interview both Saleh and Eric Bieniemy, Watson’s other preferred candidate, in the initial process.

Once Watson made his intentions clear, the Texans brought in Bieniemy for an interview but the damage had been done. Watson wants out, and he might just force the Texans’ hands.

And if that’s the case, the Jets make a ton of sense as a potential landing spot.

Apart from Watson’s rumored desire to play for Saleh, they’re one of the few teams that have the desire, financial flexibility, and — most importantly — the assets to get a deal done.

Watson has a no-trade clause that he will have to waive in order for a trade to go through, meaning that he has some degree of say over where he might end up.

As of now, the Texans have shown no interest in trading him. But as the weeks go by and the interest only continues to grow, they might not have a choice.

The only leverage they have is money, and Watson has never been a money-driven person. This is about the principle of the matter to him.

The Jets clearly want Watson and it seems the feeling might be mutual. Things are getting real very quickly.