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UPDATE (1/29): Texans GM Nick Caserio and new head coach David Culley make it clear on Friday that they do not plan on trading Deshaun Watson. Culley knew that Watson had requested a trade before taking the job, so he must have taken the job knowing Watson might not be his starting quarterback, but he is going to do what he can to keep him around.
New Texans head coach David Culley on Deshaun Watson: "He is a Houston Texan. I want him to be a Houston Texan. The reason I'm in this position today is because I know he's going to be a Houston Texan."
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 29, 2021
Caserio reiterated what Culley had to say, as the two new hires will have a much tougher time putting a watchable product on the field without Watson. But, Watson appears to have made up his mind. It’s going to take something bigger than saying they don’t want to trade him.
Texans’ GM Nick Caserio: "Before we take a few questions: Organizationally, we want to reiterate our commitment to Deshaun Watson. We have zero interest in trading the player."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 29, 2021
Watson doesn’t have leverage in the normal sense, as he is under contract, but as an elite 25-year old quarterback, his worth in a trade versus him sitting out the 2021 season is stark.
The rumors of Houston Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson wanting out of Houston were never seen as baseless, as there has been plenty of reason for him to want out, but now we know that he asked the organization per both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport and others. This is happening.
Watson is done with the team and won’t speak to any of their new hires, including GM Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley. Watson’s beef is with owner Cal McNair and adviser Jack Easterby and the moves they’ve made and according to Rapoport it didn’t matter who they hired as the head coach, Watson wanted out no matter what.
Watson is just 25-years old and is coming off a great season and would improve all NFL teams except for just a handful. There will easily be 20+ teams in the market for his services. Of course, Houston doesn’t want to trade him and haven’t moved from that stance, but Watson could force their hand by promising to sit out the season.
Watson also has a no-trade clause, so he will be able to nix any deal to a team he doesn’t like. He would probably need to be somewhat flexible to actually get a trade done, but rumors that he’d be okay going to the Jets could work, as they have a lot of draft stock to offer. This story isn’t going away anytime soon.