Deshaun Watson officially requested a trade from the Texans weeks ago, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Watson’s displeasure with the franchise began when he wasn’t included in the hiring process for GM Nick Caserio after the Texans told him they would consult him. He also wanted the Texans to interview Eric Bienemy and Robert Saleh for head coach, but Houston didn’t talk to Saleh and only interviewed Bienemy after Watson’s concerns became public. The Texans hired former Ravens wide receiver and assistant head coach David Culley on Wednesday. Schefter reported that that choice did not alter Watson’s position.
Watson’s trade request comes with a few caveats. For one, the Texans don’t need to trade him – he’s under contract for four more seasons after signing a $156 million extension last offseason. Watson also has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he has to sign off on any deal before it can be completed. A trade cannot become official until the new league begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 17.
It’s unclear where the Texans could send Watson given how much it would cost — some suggest at least three first-round picks — but he’s been tied to the Jets and Dolphins. The Jets are one of the few teams with enough draft picks and cap space to pull off the deal, but Joe Douglas and company have a lot of leverage in any trade negotiations giving Watson’s public displeasure with Houston.
Whether the Jets should trade for Watson will be the team’s most important discussion this offseasons and would likely change how New York looks at the draft and free agency this spring.
