Getty Image
Things could get a bit awkward in Houston between the Texans and Deshaun Watson.
Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Watson had requested a trade from the team after a falling out with Texans owner Cal McNair.
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
Apparently, Watson is willing to “play hardball” and is threatening to sit out if he doesn’t get traded.
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
On Friday morning, Texans GM Nick Caserio responded to Watson’s trade demand by reiterating that the team had “zero interest” in trading their franchise QB this offseason.
#Texans GM Nick Caserio: “I just want to reiteraten our commitment to Deshaun Watson. … We have zero interest in trading the player. We have a great plan and vision for him. We look forward to spending more time with him."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2021
Nick Caserio pre-emptively on Watson: "Just want to reiterate our commitment to Deshaun Watson … we look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with him this spring when we get started, we have zero interest in trading the player." pic.twitter.com/aG3NgowDNq
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) January 29, 2021
#Texans coach David Culley, offering more on the Deshaun Watson situation: "The reason I'm in this position today is because I know he's going to be a Houston Texan.”
The strongest words yet.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2021
If Watson refuses to play it could cost him $620k a week per game missed. It’s going to be real interesting to see who wins the staredown between the Texans and Watson this offseason.