Not often does a rebuilding team — regardless of the sport — have the chance to trade away several first round picks and head in a positive direction. But the New York Jets, who for the past few months have been the embarrassment of the National Football League, have such an opportunity. 

On Thursday, January 28, it was announced that 25-year-old Houston Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson — who is arguably the third best quarterback in the NFL — had requested a trade. This move does not come as a surprise; rumor had it that Watson was disgruntled with the Texans organization after they hired general manager Nick Caserio without Watson’s permission. The star quarterback reportedly sought a say in the hiring decision for both the general manager and head coach after the Texans let go of Head Coach Bill O’Brien — who previously occupied both spots — midseason.

With this news, New York Jets General Manager Joe Douglas has a chance to alter the franchise with one move. Starting quarterback Sam Darnold had the lowest quarterback rating in the NFL in 2020, and with the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, Douglas could draft a franchise quarterback in either Zach Wilson of Brigham Young University or Justin Fields of Ohio State. But Watson is proven talent. He has just come off of an amazing season for a lowly Texans team, leading the league with 4823 passing yards and 33 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions.

The Jets could trade the second overall pick and more for Watson. After trading away star safety Jamal Adams, the Jets have the first round pick from the Seattle Seahawks in both the 2021 and 2022; the 2021 pick will be 23rd overall. The Jets could trade the second overall pick this year, Seattle’s pick next year, and — if it is required to seal a deal — their 2023 first round pick. This would leave the Jets without a first round pick in only one draft — that in 2023. The Jets would acquire a star quarterback in Watson, who could elevate the team to the next level — both competitively and in recruiting free agents. 

It initially seems strange that Watson would want to come to New York to play for the Jets. An article from The Miami Herald, however, reported that Watson’s top two preferred teams are the Jets and their AFC East division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. Another report indicates that Watson had his eyes set on San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh for Texans Head Coach. As it so happens, Saleh recently joined the Jets.

While the Jets roster is less than stellar, Watson would be part of the solution. According to overthecap.com, the team currently has over $63 million in cap space. The Jets could use that space to upgrade their defense and offensive line, and support Watson with the acquisition of a legitimate top receiver, such as free agent Allen Robinson. 

In the end, Deshaun Watson is one of at least four quarterbacks that the Jets could potentially acquire in 2021. And while he may be the most expensive — in both money and assets —  Watson is worth every penny and draft pick. Although the Texans brass have denied trade rumors in the past, Watson’s supposed trade request and interest in the Jets means that New York should not be outbid for the 25-year-old superstar.