For most teams, the NFL offseason has been underway for a few weeks, but there already has been no shortage of drama and speculation.
Nobody knows this more than Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans, as rumors of the saga between the two continues to grow each week. The 25-year-old star quarterback reportedly remains unhappy with the Texans and wants to be traded. With Houston reportedly set to hire Baltimore Ravens assistant David Culley as their new head coach over Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Watson's discontent with the franchise could reach an even higher point.
Voices around the league have sounded off to voice their opinion regarding Watson and what he should do. You now can add former-49er Richard Sherman to that long list, as the five-time Pro Bowl pick joined Cris Collinsworth and George Chahrouri on the "Cris Collinsworth Podcast" earlier in the week, sharing what he would do if he was in Watson's shoes.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
"If I was Deshaun, I’d get out of [Houston] as soon as possible and I’d head to New York. The Jets." Sherman said.
This makes sense for a multitude of reasons. Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, reportedly has expressed a desire to play on the East Coast, preferably with the New York Jets because of their hiring of former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Sherman also knows first-hand the impact Saleh can have on a player, as the defensive back worked under Saleh for the entirety of his three-year tenure in San Francisco.
Other factors, like the Jets' makeup and the NFL free-agency market also come into play, as Sherman notes.
"[The Jets have] a decent offensive line, they’d have to find threats, find some offensive weapons, but I think there would be a lot more people excited to be there," Sherman said. "The free-agency market this year is going to be oversaturated because of the salary cap."
San Francisco 49ers
"They’re saying he isn’t answering any texts or calls," Sherman added. "I wouldn’t either. He’s done everything. He has taken a beating for [the Texans] and played efficiently. … His level of play didn’t drop with the team.
"I would be out of there on the first thing smoking."
RELATED: 49ers' re-sign rushing leader Wilson Jr.
This isn't exactly optimal news for 49er fans holding out hope that Watson will end up in San Francisco come 2021. However, a possible union with Saleh could help ease the blow.
Watson isn't the only one who's future remains up in the air. Sherman, a free agent, told NBC Sports Bay Area in December a return to the 49ers is '"unlikely."
No matter where either Sherman or Watson end up, one thing is clear. With several more months of offseason ahead, the rumors are far from slowing down.