Deshaun Watson did report to the Houston Texans’ training camp on Sunday, but the star quarterback still envisions his future elsewhere. After requesting a trade earlier during the offseason, the club has now started to listen to potential offers.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported the news on Monday morning:
The #Texans are now willing to listen — and have been for some time — to trade offers for star QB Deshaun Watson, multiple sources tell me and @RapSheet. But the price is high for a player of his caliber, and should be. It’d likely take at least three first-round picks and more.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2021
When he reported to camp Sunday, Watson was respectful, but his demeanor reiterated he doesn’t want to be in Houston. The question is, will a team step up with the type of massive offer that would compel the #Texans to move him now? Watson also would have to waive his no-trade.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2021
The Texans and Watson have been at odds for quite some time now, despite him signing a massive four-year, $177.5 million contract extension just last September. The starting point was reportedly the hire of long-time New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio as the team’s new general manager earlier this month: Caserio was apparently brought in without the star quarterback’s consent, much to his displeasure.
Hiring David Culley as head coach did little to solve the issues. Watson does have a no-trade clause in his deal, but could obviously waive that right if a desirable destination emerges among the bidders.
The question, as Pelissero states, is whether or not a team will be willing to meet Houston’s demands.
As far as the Patriots are concerned, it would be a surprise if they were in the running despite Watson being one of the best passers in football. After all, they invested a first-round pick in Mac Jones earlier this year with the intention of making him the new face of their franchise. Furthermore, Watson is in the middle of a legal battle due to sexual assault allegations against him.