Deshaun Watson’s days in a Houston Texans uniform may be ending, ESPN is reporting, citing sources in and around the franchise.
Watson reportedly is unhappy with the team on multiple fronts, such as the choice of Nick Caserio as general manager. Watson had made some recommendations for the hiring, but his candidates were not contacted or even considered, according to the sources.
When Watson learned of the hiring on social media last week, he tweeted “some things never change.”
The Texans also have a vacancy for head coach, and Watson reportedly wants Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to get a good look. NFL Network and ESPN said the quarterback was told the team would talk to Bieniemy, but it has not taken place.
One of the sources indicated the team has talked internally about dealing Watson, and what teams would make likely trade partners.
When team chairman and CEO Cal McNair said Friday that he wants Watson “in the loop and part of the process” toward finding a new head coach, sources said the assurance might have come too late.
Watson’s complaints about a lack of communication with the front office go back at least a year, when he said he wasn’t told that star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was going to be traded.
In four seasons with the Texans, Watson has thrown for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 1,677 yards and 17 scores.
The Texans finished 4-12 this season and missed the postseason for the second time in Watson’s tenure with the team. Watson threw for a league-high and franchise record 4,823 yards to go with 33 touchdowns. He also rushed for 444 yards and three scores.
Watson was the Texans’ first-round draft choice (12th overall) in 2017.
