Houston has a problem… a quarterback problem. The disconnect between the Texans and Deshaun Watson has reached a boiling point.
For months, Watson has been upfront about his frustrations with the organization. The three-time Pro Bowler commented at the end of the 2019 season on the Texans’ failure to build success, stating: “There’s no real foundation in view.”
Houston failed to follow up on a promise to Watson to involve him in the hiring process of the new general manager this offseason. After Nick Caserio was appointed, Watson took to Twitter to voice his frustrations in a since deleted tweet.
Texans owner Cal McNair has said that he has tried to discuss the hiring of Caserio, but Watson has not picked up his calls.
“I reached out to Deshaun about Nick’s hiring, and I look forward to him getting back to me when he gets back from his vacation,” McNair said.
This isn’t the only time the Texans have left Watson out on big decisions. It is reported that the team also didn’t let him know that their star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins would be traded.
All of the tension between the front office and Watson leads insiders to believe that there is a chance that Watson may hold out in the upcoming season, which would force the team to sign a short-term quarterback.
Watson has three years remaining on his contract with a potential out in 2024 in addition to a no-trade clause. If he decides to keep off the field, he would be unable to make anything beyond his $5,400,000 signing bonus – though the team would be able to recover a portion in the event of a holdout.
The no-trade clause also gives back power to Watson in the event of a trade, allowing him to decline to report should the team try to send him to an unwanted destination. Teams have started calling the Texans regarding Watson’s trade availability despite McNair stating that the quarterback will not be traded. Watson has not made a statement on whether or not he is requesting to be traded.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, many involved in the organization believe that Watson has played his last snap in Houston.
Photo: (Shawn Palmer – Guy Boston Sports Illustrations x SP Designs)