Deshaun Watson wants to be traded.
He reportedly told his new head coach he has “no intention of playing for the Texans again.” It’s a sentiment that has been shared before, as part of a growing thread of evidence suggesting Watson wants out. But on the other side of the coin is a Texans team that has no interest in trading him. Houston’s stance from the start is that they won’t trade him, even if he asks. And while Watson has made that request, the Texans maintain their stance they they won’t budge.
The latest foot-stomping from Houston features the team further digging itsel📖f into its trench:
From NFL Now: The don't plan on trading QB Deshaun Watson for a long, long time (and likely not at all).
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweets the Texans remain firm in not wanting to trade Watson. Moreover, they have placed no deadlines on making such a move. And on top of that, Houston seems willing to wait it out to the point where they won’t trade him at all.
It’s a bold stance, to be sure. But it sounds like Watson is willing and ready to match that same energy:
. says Deshaun Watson is willing to sit out pre-season and some regular season games if he isn't traded.
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN)
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler says Watson is willing to stand his ground to the point where he misses games into the regular season. And that’s where things get interesting. Because, right now, both sides are using whatever leverage they have in the manner. Watson is using public forums to express his dissatisfaction with the situation. The team is using that Watson is under contract as counter-leverage. But if this drags into the regular season, that’s when Watson’s leverage grows further.
If Watson remains committed to his stance, and is willing to lose game checks for his cause, then it leaves the Texans in a lose-lose situation. Because losing games after losing a lengthy public battle, in which Watson currently has a fair amount of backing, would be a rough look for a franchise that’s already having a rough go of it.
In the end, I’m looking forward to continuously following this rollercoaster as it rolls on. The stare down continues.
