Texans may be forced into drastic decision on Deshaun Watson

Whether they like it or not, the Houston Texans may be forced to move disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson quicker than they’d like. Watson sat out the entirety of the 2021-2022 season while dealing with his current legal trouble. But before then, the former Clemson Tiger informed the Texans that he would like a trade and he will not play for them again.

Houston spent much of last season fishing Watson for the best possible trade package. However, as the NFL trade deadline came and went, they ended up not moving him, and he remains on their roster. But with the start of a new NFL season comes the salary for the season. And Watson, it’s scheduled to make a handsome amount regardless of whether he plays or not for the Texans.

“ Deshaun Watson’s $35M 2022 base salary was fully guaranteed when he signed his deal in 2020. His $20M 2023 base salary & $17.5M 5th day of 2023 league year roster bonus are fully guaranteed on March 20 (5th day of 2022 league year). Both were guaranteed for injury at signing,” wrote Joel Corry, contracts and salary expert, and writer for CBS Sports.

With that amount of money due to a player who is hell-bent on not playing for the franchise ever again, it would be best for the Texans to move off of him as quickly as possible. And if they are unable to do that, the next likely step is the nuclear option, and they release him before it is time to write the checks.

More on Deshaun Watson, possible destinations

While Deshaun Watson is looking towards the NFC, one franchise that won’t be acquiring his services is the New York Giants. Earlier this offseason, rumors ran rampant that Watson was interested by New York, but Giants owner Mara quickly shut down the idea of Watson coming to his franchise.

“We’re not trading for Deshaun Watson,” Mara said. “There are so many reasons why we wouldn’t do that. Cap-wise, we couldn’t afford it but more importantly, with the allegations that are out there right now, that’s just not the right fit for us.”

Watson did not play this season for the Houston Texans after a few off-the-field issues plagued their relationship.

First, and most importantly, the quarterback is still caught in the middle of sexual assault allegations. The NFL has not fully made a ruling on Watson’s status going forward, whether or not he is in Houston or not.

Next, Watson was not happy with how the Texans handled their head coach search last offseason. David Culley ended up getting the nod without approval from the quarterback before getting fired after one season, and Lovie Smith has taken over the job this season. It doesn’t seem to be enough to have peaked the interest of the quarterback.