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No Deshaun Watson, No Problem: 4 Other QBs the New York Jets Can Target This Offseason

Published 01/26/2021, 10:11 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The NFL rumor mill is in full swing. With the future of a host of quarterbacks up in the air, the league is set to have a quarterback carousel. And one of the biggest names involved in the mix is Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The QB had a career-best season with the Texans in 2020. But there’s little reason to believe that Watson will stick with the franchise that drafted him back in 2017.

The Texans franchise are due for a major overhaul following a dismal 4-12 campaign. Starting from Head Coach to GM, the Texans are rebuilding from scratch.

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While Deshaun Watson would be the perfect man to build around yet again, his relationship with the franchise has soured over the past few weeks.

Among the many franchises circling around to trade the quarterback, the New York Jets are a viable destination for Watson. But what if the Jets are unable to land Watson? Who else could they consider for the starting quarterback position role in 2021?

Justin Fields- Ohio State (Draft)

The New York Jets narrowly missed out on landing the #1 draft pick for 2021, and with it, the chance to draft Trevor Lawrence. With the second overall pick, the Jets still have the option to draft a stellar young quarterback from Ohio State in Justin Fields.

Fields had a topsy-turvy 2020 season. From going toe to toe with Lawrence for the #1 pick, Fields fell out of favor with some insipid performances in the 2nd half of the season.

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But Fields proved his critics wrong by putting on quite a show in the Sugar Bowl against Lawrence’s Clemson Tigers. With 6 touchdown throws courtesy of Justin Fields, Ohio breezed past Clemson to book a berth in the National Championship.

While Fields might not be as polished a QB prospect as Lawrence, but he sure has the tools to succeed in the NFL.

Dak Prescott- Dallas Cowboys (Trade)

Dak Prescott’s contract talk with the Dallas Cowboys has been at an impasse for quite some time now. The QB, who had a sensational 2019 season, had to sit out the majority of the 2020 season due to a compound fracture and a dislocated right ankle.

But that doesn’t mean that Prescott is no good. The Cowboys placed a franchise tag on him; however, his future at Dallas is still up in the air. Owner Jerry Jones, though, is confident that the 2 parties can reach an agreement before the 2021 season rolls around.

USA Today via Reuters

But with no real progress made yet, the New York Jets could swoop in with a couple of high draft picks and offer the quarterback the contract he deserves to woo him away from Dallas.

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Zach Wilson- BYU (Draft)

Zach Wilson of the BYU Cougars would be a great addition for the New York Jets. The QB shot up the draft board with impressive performances in the 2020 season.

Athletic, evasive, and gifted with a rocket arm, Wilson has the tools to perform from the pocket while the Jets shore up their O-line in the seasons to come.

USA Today via Reuters

With 3,692 yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and 263 rushing yards to his name this season, Wilson is a worthy contender for the Jets’ next starting quarterback role.

Sam Darnold- New York Jets (Retain)

The New York Jets could very well end up giving their current start, Sam Darnold, one last shot at redeeming himself. The QB drafted back in 2018 has shown glimpses of being a starter in the years to come.

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But that’s all it has been. Sparks of genius followed by an avalanche of disappointment. But a lot of the blame shoved on Darnold should be targeted elsewhere.

The young quarterback hasn’t received the proper coaching required to really hone his skills. Neither did he have the tools in the offense to build on a promising start in the league.

With new personnel at the Big Apple, many believe that Darnold will be given the second chance he deserves to stake his claim for the Jets starting QB role.

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Out of options, whom do you think the New York Jets should go with as their starting QB for the 2021 season?

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Written by:

Shivayan Roy

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Shivayan Roy is currently an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his Masters Diploma in Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Roy functioned as a reporter for Goal.com and extensively covered the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
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