The likelihood of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson being traded to the New York Jets has gained some steam, largely because of the return of Jets owner Woody Johnson to the team’s front office.
With Johnson no longer serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, he’s likely ready to make a big splash by acquiring the 25-year old Watson.
“If Deshaun Watson really wants to play for the Jets, there is a big reason he might get his wish: Woody’s back,” the Sun Sentinel‘s Ira Winderman wrote.
“Woody Johnson hasn’t been running the Jets the past four years. He’s been working as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. His younger brother Christopher has been handling the franchise in his stead.
“But Woody flew back from London on Thursday to reclaim his chairman’s seat in Florham Park, and it may have been just in time to accommodate Watson’s wishes on a trade out of Houston to the Big Apple.
“Woody likes big names. He knows they drive back page headlines. He knows the quarterback makes it all tick.”
During Johnson’s time as chairman of the Jets, he’s brought in other names such as Brett Favre and Tim Tebow. Both of those signings ended up being short-lived efforts, but trading for Watson would deliver one of the standout quarterbacks in the league.
Despite the Texans’ miserable 4-12 record in 2020, Watson put together his best year yet, throwing for 33 touchdowns and a league-high 4,823 yards.
While a Watson trade would mean having to face him twice a year in AFC East matchups, a deal would also end speculation about Watson supplanting Tua Tagovailoa as the Dolphins’ quarterback of the future.
Yet, when the time comes for the Jets to make a decision on any possible Watson trade, Johnson will end up having the final word. If his past is any guide, Johnson figures to make every effort to put Watson in the Jets’ green and white uniform.
