No matter where you look, the drama surrounding the Houston Texans continues to take center stage despite the NFL Playoffs currently taking place.
We’ve heard reports about star quarterback Deshaun Watson and his unhappiness with the organization. In fact, a recent report suggests that he could sit out the entire 2021 season rather than suit up for the Houston Texans.
The backdrop here is a head coach search that Houston has seemingly fumbled at every turn. That’s one of the primary reasons Watson wants to be traded. We have more information on this, and it’s not great for the organization.
Related: Houston Texans head coach search
Houston Texans head coach job now seen as most undesirable
“One league source connected to the Texans’ HC situation said Saturday: ‘It’s gone from the least desirable head coaching job (opening) to the most undesirable head coaching job in the NFL. That’s a fact. That’s how that job is now looked at by everybody,'” ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted.
There’s a bit of wordplay from Schefter in this report. But the point is pretty clear. Not only is the Texans’ head coach opening seen as the lest desirable, it is now the most undesirable head coach job of the 32 in the NFL. That’s a pretty strong condemnation, directed at owner Cal McNair and the team’s hierarchy.
Normally, this is an opening that would be interesting to a plethora of top candidates. Right now, it’s not even known whether Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator will even interview for the job.
He might be more intent remaining with Kansas City for another season and choose between better options next year rather than taking on the tough task of righting the ship in Houston. Even the hiring of respected front office head Nick Caserio as general manager does not change this.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Texans, check out #WeAreTexans rumors, rankings and news here.
Has Deshaun Watson played his final snap with the Texans?
A later report from Schefter indicates that there’s a growing belief within the Texans’ organization that this franchise quarterback has indeed played his final snap with the Texans.
The Pro Bowl quarterback took to social media late last week to indicate that his anger level is a 10 with the Texans due to their handling of the head coach and general manager searches as well as the team’s lackluster stance on social justice issues in recent years.
As for the Texans, they are said to be unwilling to trade Watson. Their reported asking price in a deal adds another layer to this. But if he is dead set on sitting out the 2021 season, that could change dramatically.
Simply put, the team will have to think long and hard about trading Watson and starting anew with a rebuild. Remember, they don’t have a first or second-round pick in the coming 2021 NFL Draft.
All-time great J.J. Watt has also demanded a trade, something that the Houston Texans will more than likely agree to this coming offseason.
As for Deshaun Watson, he’s coming off a 2020 campaign that saw the former first-round pick lead the NFL with 4,823 passing yards to go with 36 total touchdowns against seven interceptions. He’s also set to count a mere $15.94 million against the cap next season before his massive extension takes hold in 2022.
Obviously, he would become one of the most highly sought-after players on the trade block in modern NFL history if the Houston Texans did indeed decide to part ways with the MVP candidate.