NFL rumors continue to point in the direction of the Houston Texans holding firm on the Deshaun Watson trade front. Interested teams continue to call the Texans’ brass, led by general manager Nick Caserio and vice president Jack Easterby, to no avail.
That has not stopped Watson’s camp from pushing back big-time, both behind the scenes and through a public lens. Apparently, things are not getting better on this front.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe notes that Watson’s camp is “growing all the more frustrated” over Houston’s brass failing to engage in trade talks. It seems as if things are reaching a boiling point between the two sides, as the Patriots’ insider for the Globe notes.
This shouldn’t be considered too much of a surprise. It’s become clear that Watson doesn't want to play for the Texans again. Reports indicate that the reigning passing-yardage leader is willing to hold out multiple games next season if he is not moved.
Meanwhile, the Texans have reportedly pushed back against even engaging with interested teams in trade talks for the Pro Bowl signal-caller. Despite that, the baseline asking price is three first-round picks and at least one young player. This seems to suggest that, at the very least, Houston has had internal discussions about a Watson trade.
NFL rumors: Where Watson and the Texans stand
- More than anything, it appears that Watson can’t coexist with Easterby. The front-office head has been the subject of criticism from former Texans players for his handling of player-personnel matters.
- For his part, Watson has a list of teams for which he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. That list is reportedly headed by the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers. However, teams such as the Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Denver Broncos could be of interest to the quarterback.
- Hypothetically speaking, the Texans would like to get a young quarterback as part of a package in a Watson trade. Of the aforementioned teams, the Jets (Sam Darnold) and Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa) seem to be the best fits.
- However, there’s also something to be said about Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers’ current quarterback was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Patriots when Nick Caserio was a member of New England's front office. He also pushed back against trading Garoppolo during the 2017 season.
- Some might conclude that Houston holds all the cards here considering Watson signed a massive extension less than a calendar year ago. That seems a bit naive. He doesn’t want to play for the Texans again. He can hold out next season if he wants. That could very well lower any compensation Houston receives considering that Watson’s new contract kicks in during the 2022 season.
In any event, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Watson’s camp is not happy about the Texans dragging their feet in trade talks. It’s now just a matter of time before the quarterback goes public.
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