It's not very often that a franchise Quarterback in the prime of his career asks to be traded from his team. It's even rarer that the player lists your favorite team at the top of his list of intended destinations. It's even more rare when that happens for the Jets. It took Robert Saleh all of 2 weeks to power wash the stench of Gase off the team, and Deshaun Watson is giving the Jets a second chance to have him wear Gotham Green.
Sit down kids, and let me tell you a story that begins in 2017. The Jets held the 6th pick in the draft, and Watson was coming off a National Championship with Clemson. The Jets QB room at the time had Ryan Fitzpatrick and the sophomore Christian Hackenberg. That was enough for Mikey Mac to pass up on both Watson and this snooch from Texas Tech Patty Mahomes who were taken 12th and 10th respectively. Instead, the Jets drafted Jamal Adams, who in his own right had a solid career as a Jet before forcing his way off the team last offseason for 2 first round picks and a 3rd round pick.
Now, ironically enough, the Jets have enough draft capital, including the 2nd overall pick due to our incompetence last season, to put together a package that should rival any other team's in a trade for Watson. We also won't be compromising the future, since we would essentially be trading Jamal Adams and our first pick this year to get a bonafide stud at the most important position in the league.The best part about it, is that Gang Green also has the 3rd most cap space in a season where almost half the league is in the red before they start cutting players.
It's up to these three men to do whatever it takes to get Deshaun Watson to the Jets. Three firsts, a 2nd, and Darnold.... whatever it takes. Three firsts and Quinnen Williams... whatever it takes. We can even get creative and trade the 2nd overall picks for more first rounders and send the Texans a package that includes four 1sts... whatever it takes.
Being realistic, however, there is the possibility the Texans ignore Watson's trade request and either force him to sit out the season or deal with his fate when he signed his contract last year. That gives the Jets a few options at the QB position.
Keep Sam Darnold and improve the skill players.
Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance during his three years in the league, however the good has often been outweighed by the bad. The most damning thing the franchise has done in the past three years is that they never gave Sam a good enough team to prove if he can hang in the league. There will always be that what if with him, and we can help fix that this season. You give Matt LaFleur the reigns, and draft and sign any combination of Devonta Smith, Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, Juju, Travis Ettiene, Chuba Hubbard, and run it back with him one more time, before deciding if they want to sign him long term to be our franchise QB. Worst case scenario is that you find out Darnold's not the guy, and our next QB will enter with a loaded offense.
Draft Justin Fields or Zach Wilson and Trade Darnold
In my opinion, neither Fields nor Wilson are can't miss prospects. The Jets missed the boat on drafting a can't miss prospect in Trevor Lawrence when we beat the Rams. The knock on Fields for me is that he's on a powerhouse Ohio State team that can run up the score on inferior teams, but when he had to play top defenses like Indiana, Northwestern, and Alabama, you saw the weaknesses in his game. Zach Wilson on the other hand hasn't had to face any top teams since BYU is an independent school and plays an easier schedule. That isn't to say that neither guy can be a franchise QB, but with the 2nd overall pick you want to make sure you make the right choice. I think Douglas can still get a 2nd round pick for Darnold as there are still a lot of teams with questions at QB for 2021.
Draft Justin Fields or Zach Wilson and Keep Darnold
This is the most unlikely scenario, but it can also work out. This gives the Jets a chance to let the new coaching staff work with Darnold in camp and see if he can shine in the preseason. Then, you wait for a team that becomes desperate when their QB gets injured and needs to give you a bigger haul. Or, you can let the season play out with the rookie sitting their first season and then weigh your options.
