The latest update in the Deshaun Watson saga won't please San Francisco 49ers fans hoping that their team somehow finds a way to acquire the talented Houston Texans quarterback. But it is good news for fans who wish former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh well in his new role as head coach of the New York Jets ... and good news for Jets fans, of course.
A report from Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald states that Watson has informed people that his top preference as a destination is the Jets (h/t to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports). Watson reportedly suggested that his current team, the Texans, interview Saleh before New York agreed to terms with the coach. Like others, that suggestion was ignored by the Texans, which is just part of the reason for the quarterback's frustration.
Watson's second choice is reportedly the Miami Dolphins, per Salguero. So, it looks like Watson's preference is to land in the AFC East with one of those two teams.
NEW...Deshaun Watson has a pecking order of teams he'd like to play for. Dolphins aren't No. 1https://t.co/87INNlJNTl
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) January 23, 2021
While many still view the union as a good fit, the Watson-to-49ers chatter has slowed in recent days but the discussion surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo's future with the team has not. While the 49ers quarterback has a 22-8 regular-season record with the team, and he led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance last year, injuries have forced Garoppolo to miss most of the past three seasons.
49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, who is slated to become a free agent, recently pushed for Watson to land with Saleh and the Jets.
"If I was Deshaun, I would get out of [Houston] as quickly as possible. I'd head to New York," Sherman said on The Cris Collinsworth Podcast. "... The Jets. It would be the most beautiful (situation). A 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."
Added Sherman: "They're going to be able to put a team together, and if [Watson is] at the helm, they immediately become a contender in not only that division but the AFC in general."
When asked about the doubts surrounding Garoppolo this past week on Good Morning Football, linebacker Fred Warner smiled and shook his head in a bit of disbelief.
"The guy's a winner," Warner responded. "He's a natural-born leader. I think that he makes all the throws. It's crazy because you see him practice and in games, the type of throws that he makes, and he can play football."
The All-Pro defender acknowledged that Garoppolo has to stay healthy and be on the field for the 49ers to win games, but feels the quarterback will prove his doubters wrong in 2021.
"I think he's going to come back and be better than ever," added Warner.