Disgruntled franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson formally requested a trade from the Houston Texans, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday morning.
ESPN reported that Watson made the request to the team weeks ago and is not expected to be swayed by the Texans hiring David Culley as head coach.
Watson, 25, has a no-trade clause in the four-year, $156 million contract extension he signed last summer.
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He reportedly was unhappy with the Texans after the team did not consult with him before hiring new general manager Nick Caserio. His issue reportedly isn’t with Caserio, but rather that owner Cal McNair didn’t vet any of Watson’s recommendations to be interviewed for the position before he learned about Caserio’s hiring on social media.
Per reports, Watson also wanted the Texans to meet with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as head-coaching candidates were meeting with Houston’s brass. But only after that issue became public did the Texans arrange a meeting with Bieniemy.
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Watson’s issues with 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 to the Arizona Cardinals.
Watson has thrown for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns in four seasons since the Texans selected him with the 12th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. 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.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Texans, check out #WeAreTexans rumors, rankings and news here.
–Field Level Media