Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has formalized his rumored trade request. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson reportedly requested trade from Texans several weeks ago

Deshaun Watson's time in Houston appears to be over, as sources told ESPN that the star quarterback requested a trade from the Texans several weeks ago.

There has been speculation about Watson wanting out for several weeks but nothing had been confirmed. The quarterback has become the face of the franchise after he was drafted by the Texans in the first round of the 2017 draft and helped lead Houston to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. 

But things began to fall apart when former coach Bill O'Brien shocked everyone by trading receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals last offseason. After a slow start to the season, O'Brien was fired and the Texans ended up finishing 4-12.

Following the disappointing season, rumors began to emerge that Watson may want to be traded from the team. If Watson is available for trade, he will surely generate interest from a ton of teams, as quarterbacks as young and talented as Watson are almost never available after they are drafted. Several teams have already been linked to acquiring Watson, including the Dolphins, Jets, Bears and Patriots. And many more possible suitors will surely emerge over the offseason.

The Texans are expected to announce Thursday that David Culley has been hired as their next head coach, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Houston's decision to hire Culley had nothing to do with Watson's trade request, as he asked to be traded several weeks ago.

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