Deshaun Watson would reportedly welcome a trade to the NY Jets

Another day, another Deshaun Watson rumor. The NY Jets continue to be mentioned in rumors surrounding the Houston Texans star quarterback and don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

This time, it was SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano who reported on Wednesday that Watson would likely welcome a trade to any team, including the Jets. The exact verbiage was “Anywhere but Houston.”

That said, Vacchiano did insist that his preferred choice is not the Jets, contradicting a report from Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald that stated the Jets were at the top of his wishlist.

Vacchiano said that Watson wouldn’t be opposed to a trade to the Jets, but that they weren’t his top choice.

“That’s not to say [Watson] wouldn’t welcome a trade to New York or even approve one. But according to a source who has spoken with people close to Watson, the 25-year-old quarterback doesn’t have the Jets at the top of his wish list.

‘Really, though, the top of his list might be, ‘Anywhere but Houston,’ the source said. ‘If he really wants out, why would he say, ‘No,’ to any trade?'”

Deshaun Watson wouldn’t be opposed to a trade to the NY Jets

Vacchiano noted that while the Jets might not be Watson’s preferred option, there are reasons why he would want to play for them. Specifically, his respect for new head coach Robert Saleh tops that list of reasons.

Saleh was reportedly one of two candidates Watson requested the Texans interview for their vacant head coach position. However, they were the only team not to submit a proposal to interview the now-former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator.

It would make sense for Watson to want to come to New York to play for a coach that he likely wishes his current organization hired. But the Miami Dolphins could also be very appealing.

Head coach Brian Flores is also well-respected around the league and it’s safe to say the Dolphins have a more complete roster than the Jets do at the moment. The lack of a state income tax certainly doesn’t hurt matters either.

Ultimately, however, it should be noted that no one really knows what Watson wants. These reports will continue to come out for the next few weeks, months, or however long this drags out.

But really, no one knows where Deshaun Watson wants to go. And in the end, will it even matter?

As long as Watson gives the OK, it’ll simply come down to whichever team offers Houston the best trade package. It doesn’t matter if a team is at the top of his wishlist — if such a list even exists.

It just matters that Watson accepts the trade, due to his no-trade clause. And by the looks of things, “anywhere but Houston” seems to be his true preferred destination.

The Jets, fortunately, fit that description.