The New York Jets rookie tackle doesn’t want to give up that much to land a new quarterback.
By now, the inclination of Deshaun Watson heading elsewhere seems to be old news. The Houston Texans‘ star quarterback is looking for a new home after the team’s offseason moves have left a sour taste on the franchise.
One team on the list? The New York Jets.
New York currently holds the No.2 pick in April’s draft. Houston would be wanting more than just one selection for a top-five quarterback and proven talent in the league at the most important position in football.
According to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes, perhaps adding a proven name like second-year defensive lineman Quinnen Williams will sweeten the Texans into trading the 25-year-old star. However, Mekhi Becton, the Jets left tackle, isn’t a fan of what the offer would be.
Simply put, losing Williams is losing more than just a player in the rookie’s eyes.
Becton has a point on the trade market
Becton emerged as one of the top run blockers in the league after being drafted 11th overall out of Louisville. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft class, only finishing behind Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Tristan Wirfs.
The Jets offense could be looking to upgrade under center with a new regime in place. Sam Darnold wasn’t the biggest problem for gang green, but is he the solution for Robert Saleh? Saleh is a new head coach. Mike LaFleur is a new offensive coordinator.
Meanwhile, Joe Douglas didn’t draft Darnold to be his quarterback after joining the Jets in 2019. All those signs point to a new man heading under center.
That doesn’t mean Watson is the guy for New York.
The Jets are far and away starting a rebuild. Watson answers the question under center, but what about the problems at wide receiver? Cornerback? Pass rush? Plus, should Williams, along with multiple early picks, go to Houston, are the Jets in a better spot than they were with Darnold.
Becton is one of perhaps three cornerstone pieces for the Jets. Williams is likely the second. It’ll be a hard sell to both the fans and the team that trading a rising star in the trenches is a good idea.
Then again, name a quarterback like Watson on the market?