There were rumors in the offseason that Deshaun Watson wasn’t going to stay with the Houston Texans on a second contract, especially after the way the club traded his best weapon in receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
However, once the rest of the Texans’ offseason moves were made, and once the rumor mill had more substantive rumors to work with rather than confusing steam from a kettle with smoke, the reality set in Watson and the Texans wanted each other.
Watson told reporters Saturday he intends to stay for the long-term with the club that drafted him in in the first round in 2017.
“I’m here,” Watson said via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I love the organization. I love the McNairs. I love the city. I love the fan base.”
Deshaun Watson on the organization and his intentions for future: 'I'm here. I love the organization. I love the McNairs. I love the city. I love the fan base.' Wants to win a championship 'I'm a Houston Texan. I'm locked in on being a Texan'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 1, 2020
Watson has led the Texans to consecutive double-digit win seasons, a feat not accomplished by any other Houston quarterback in club history. While the Texans went 10-6 in 2011 and followed up with a 12- record in 2012, Matt Schaub was injured for the final six games of the 2011 campaign.
The two-time Pro Bowler gives the Texans the best chance to contend for a Super Bowl, even though the franchise has never qualified for an AFC Championship Game.
Coach and general manager Bill O’Brien told reporters he wouldn’t get into details about how contract extension talks are progressing with Watson. All the seventh-year coach would say is they were “working hard” on a deal.
From Watson’s side, that seems to be valid.
“I’m a Houston Texan,” Watson said. “I’m locked in on being a Texan.”
