Texans GM: “Wouldn’t Expect” Deshaun Watson On Sunday

The Texans will start Tyrod Taylor under center for Sunday’s season opener against the Jaguars. With that in mind, GM Nick Caserio tells Sports Radio 610 that he “wouldn’t expect” embattled star Deshaun Watson to take the field in Week 1 (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). 

There’s no secret that the Texans would like to move on from Watson altogether, For his part, the quarterback also wants out. However, Caserio is unwilling to take pennies on the dollar for the talented quarterback. Before the allegations, the Texans received offers including three first-round picks. Now, there are still offers with picks on the table, but clubs want those picks to be conditional based on Watson’s availability to play. For now, the Texans aren’t willing to accept such contingencies.

Watson would reportedly prefer a trade to the Dolphins but would not veto a deal that sends him to the Panthers. For now, he’s getting neither, and it’s not clear if the Dolphins have much interest in him. Owner Stephen Ross may want Watson in Miami, but other reports say that he is unwilling to impose his will on the front office. Meanwhile, head coach Brian Flores has backed Tua Tagovailoa as his starter.

That all leaves Watson on the bench behind both Taylor and rookie Davis Mills. Unless something changes, the Texans will pay Watson $10.54MM to ride the pine this year.

View Comments (20)