NFL GM: 'Bad blood' exists between Texans, CJ Stroud's agent

CJ Stroud Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL GM: 'Bad blood' exists between Houston Texans and CJ Stroud's agent

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 4/21/23

It seems that the nasty fallout between the Houston Texans and former quarterback Deshaun Watson may be having an influence on the team’s reported disinterest in Ohio State QB CJ Stroud.

As we draw closer to the 2023 NFL Draft and it seems to become more and more likely that the Carolina Panthers will take Alabama QB Bryce Young with the top overall pick, there have been rumblings that the Houston Texans could move in a different direction with the No. 2 selection.

In a Friday column, Washington Post NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that all signs around the team and league indicate that Houston just is not that into Stroud -- or other top quarterback prospects like Anthony Richardson and Will Levis.

La Canfora also added an unexpected element into the mix, though. And that element is that Stroud’s agent could be turning off the organization due to the fact that he represents former franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The organization and Watson had an ugly falling out following a slew of sexual misconduct allegations levied against the star player. It seems that the Houston Texans may prefer to pass on Stroud outright simply to avoid working with agent David Mulugheta again.

"There’s a lot of bad blood there,’ one anonymous GM told La Canfora. "I don’t think [owner Cal McNair] could stomach having Mulugheta’s next top quarterback be the next face of his franchise. I think that’s a non-starter there.'”

Even in a money-first business like the NFL, grudges and bad feelings can lead to some very surprising decisions, even decision not in the interest of those making them.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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