Richard Sherman has advice for Deshaun Watson: Head east, young man.
The relationship between Deshaun Watson and the Texans is reportedly fractured because of the organization's mishandling of its GM and coaching search, leading to trade rumors swirling around the Pro-Bowl quarterback. The New York Jets — yes, those New York Jets — have been at the center of rumors, with tons of informed speculation fueling those rumors.
Speaking on "The Cris Collinsworth Podcast," veteran cornerback Sherman said Watson's best fit would be with the Jets (conversation starts at the 19-minute mark):
Richard Sherman: If I was Deshaun, I'd get out of there as quickly as possible, I'd head to New York on the first thing smoking.
George Chahrouri: The Jets?
RS: The Jets.
GC: How beautiful would that be?
RS: It would be the most beautiful. Decent offensive line, they'd have to find threats, they'd have to find some offensive weapons, but I think there would be a lot more people excited to be there. I think the free-agency market this year is going to be oversaturated because of the salary cap. But that's what I would do. I would be out of there on the first thing smoking.
MORE: Why a Watson trade to the Jets is an absolute no-brainer for New York
Sherman's advice isn't uninformed. The veteran cornerback has spent the past few seasons playing under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who headed east to take the Jets' head-coaching gig this week. Saleh was reportedly on Watson's short list for the Texans to interview for their head-coaching vacancy, but the team opted not to put in a request.
While the "Same Old Jets" narrative is still running strong, arguably no team is better positioned to make a run at Watson than New York: Loaded with four first-round picks over the next two years, ample cap space and a regime that's (seemingly) helping turn the corner, the Jets make for an intriguing landing spot for the 25-year-old superstar. Watson's Instagram page has also liked a New York Post backpage with a story indicating the Jets making a big move for the quarterback.
The Dolphins have also been rumored to have interest in Watson, making for a potential AFC East bidding war.
Obviously, the reported no-trade clause in Watson's contract means that he has the final say, should it get to that point. But count Richard Sherman among the thousands of Jets fans who'd like to see Watson in Gotham Green.