The Texans delivered a stunner on Friday morning, releasing longtime star J.J. Watt. It’s fair to wonder whether disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the next superstar to go, but CEO Cal McNair says he’s still very much in the team’s plans.
[RELATED: Texans Release J.J. Watt]
“There is a lot of misinformation out there, I’ll leave it at that,” McNair said (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). “Today we want on focus on J.J. Deshaun is our quarterback, he is a Texan, and we expect him to remain a Texan, and we’ll leave that.”
So far, the Texans have rebuffed all inquiries on Watson, even though the quarterback has asked for a trade. Watson is reportedly interested in going to the Dolphins or the Jets. The Panthers have also jumped in, and ex-teammate Kareem Jackson says that Watson has interest in joining the Broncos. Both AFC East teams could offer the Texans a ton of draft picks to make the trade work. Or, the Dolphins could dangle rising NFL sophomore Tua Tagovailoa to make it a blockbuster for the ages. Still, the Texans say they’re keeping No. 4.
The Texans still have some leverage here. Watson would be subject to daily fines if he abstains from camp and the Texans could also 86 his $82.5MM in remaining guarantees. Still, if Watson doesn’t want to be in Houston, it’s hard to imagine a realistic path forward. It’s also possible that the Texans have privately resolved to trade Watson while putting on a strong face publicly to net the best trade package possible.
Again, just trying to keep leverage on a steep trade compensation package. Not buying it
On what planet are they going to keep Watson? The man clearly has no interest in the dumpster fire that is Houston. I get that this is to raise the trade value but come on, no one is buying what you are selling.
It’s the black widow kiss of death comment.
“We aren’t trading him”
Translation: They’ll trade him for the right price. But we have to keep up appearances and make people think we are in control of the situation.
They’re not and they will trade him.
Watson, Cooks, plu anything else that’s got 2 years or less should be traded for 2021, 2022, 2023 draft picks.
I wonder what percentage of players over the years have been traded shortly after a GM has publicly stated they won’t be? I’m guessing like 80%.
You know. That would be a unique and interesting article to read on profootballrumors.
How many coaches were told they’re safe only to be fired soon after? And how many players were traded after the organization said they’re safe.
I’m sure other readers would love to hear read about all the instances. Would be a nice trip down memory lane during a slow news time.
Yes the Texans have leverage as he’s signed a long term deal and gets fines when he doesn’t show up i understand that but literally what’s stopping Watson from turning up and purposely throwing INTs and losing on purpose.
I still think the deal which makes the most sense for both teams is the Dolphins giving up, Tua Tagovailoa, this years two first round picks they own and a future first next year.
I think plenty would be stopping Watson from intentionally tanking games by playing poorly, purposely trying to throw interceptions, etc., beginning with his reputation, pride and the hit his overall NFL legacy would take. Regardless, it looks like the Texans need to move on from him since he clearly does not want to be there.
It would definitely take a huge hit but imagine sitting out all camps, missing the first week and then coming back and playing. I’d throw a quarter to really show I’m over this and I want out and to sign if you don’t I’m not going to give it my all. Then the Texans don’t really have any choice. Yes he would forever be remembered as throwing the game or whatever to leave but say he goes on to the niners and wins 4 rings that’ll be more memorable
Texans are a Schitt Show.
– A Lion’s Fan
You’ve nailed the Texans Administration.
I would love it if Watson would stay and lead this team. But the circumstances are not right. I do not have a good feel with Cal and what he is doing and the changes and more. As much as I feel that he could have really led this team with ownership and more now.
Get what can for him. Whether Texans ever see something good it may be a while. As long as Cal and Easterby run things this way. I wish JJ as well luck with wherever he goes.
I would love respectability back again with Houston sports
I gotta say… If you’re an across-the-board fan of Houston sports, you’re enduring a pretty rough period right now. Hope for the sake of the diehard fans things get better…
Texans CEO: We Expect To Keep Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson: Hold my beer