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The Houston Texans are stuck in a tough, self-inflicted situation with quarterback DeShaun Watson. The franchise QB signed a nine-figure contract extension last September, but Texans ownership’s handling of the GM ad coach hirings have soured the relationship. Add in last year’s DeAndre Hopkins trade, and it’s not surprising Watson reportedly wants out.
The Miami Dolphins have been mentioned as a favorite of Watson, but now the New York Jets could be emerging. Dolphins reporter Armando Salguero is reporting Watson told people this week that the Jets are his top choice followed by the Dolphins.
The Jets are a favored choice because Robert Saleh got the head coach job there and was on Watson’s short list of coaches he was hoping the Texans would interview. Texans owner Cal McNair choosing to not even interview Saleh might prove to be the final straw if a trade does happen.
Watson has some power in this situation thanks to the no-trade clause included in his contract. His deal is sizable, but a potential post-June 1 trade would actually save the Texans $10.54 million in cap space. Even a pre-June 1 trade would only result in $5,660,000 lost in cap space. If the Texans want to trade Watson — as crazy as this whole thing is — the cap is not a significant impediment.