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It seems like Deshaun Watson is dead set on not playing another snap for the Houston Texans.
On Thursday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Watson had formally requested a trade from the team weeks before the team hired a new coach.
Deshaun Watson officially has requested a trade from the Houston Texans, per league sources. He actually did it weeks ago. Their new head-coaching hire, David Culley, has not and will not alter Watson’s thinking.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2021
Deshaun Watson hasn’t spoken to new Texans general manager Nick Caserio nor executive Jack Easterby. Watson is moving on and waiting to see where his NFL future takes him. https://t.co/heLvCjpEXu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2021
On the latest edition of FS1’s Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe added that Watson is willing to “play hardball” with the Texans if he doesn’t get traded because his relationship with team owner Cal McNair is beyond repair.
Will hiring David Culley keep Deshaun Watson happy in Houston?
"Unfortunately, I hate to break it to the Texans fans, my sources have told me that Deshaun has requested a trade several weeks ago. He's made it clear he wants out of Houston." — @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/jhrWfAX192
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) January 28, 2021
My sources have told me that Deshaun Watson has requested a trade. He requested a trade several weeks ago. He’s made it abundantly clear, I do not want to play for this organization, and what I was told he said I am willing to play hardball in order to get my way out of here.
He does not trust Cal McNair, he does not trust the front office, he doesn’t like the culture they’ve cultivated
If Watson does indeed follow through on his promise to sit out during the season he would end up sacrificing $620k per game in forfeited salary.
With a $10.54M salary in 2021, Deshaun Watson would stand to lose $620,000 per game missed.
They can fine him almost $100,000 if he misses minicamp.
They can fine him $50,000 per training camp day missed.
They can fine him $620,000 per preseason game missed.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) January 28, 2021
It’s currently unclear how the Texans plan to react to Watson’s trade request but they do have plenty of options on the table.