AFC South Rumors: Texans, Watts, Colts

Although the breaking point for Deshaun Watson then came the Texans did not keep him informed of their off-season hires, he shared his frustration with coaches and management after the DeAndre Hopkins trade. Dan-Texans GM Bill O’Brien assured Watson that he would be kept informed of important future decisions, said Mike Sando, Aaron Reiss and Jason Jenks of The Athletic (subscription required). Watson voicing his concerns after the Hopkins trade also led to the no-trade clause in his Texans extension. However, the quarterback became further disillusioned with the franchise as the regular season progressed. After the losses of the Texans accumulated and Cal McNair fired O’Brien, Watson questioned the direction of the team, according to The Athletic. Shortly before signing his renewal, Watson said he “loved” the McNairs, the organization, and Houston. The Texans have maintained they are not interested in trading Watson, but several teams are interested. And the triple Pro Bowler has shown no indication that he will relapse.

Here’s the latest from the AFC South:

• Watson’s old teammate, JJ Watt, has been on the market for a week. He has been associated with a few teams, including the TitansTo GM Jon Robinson confirmed that the team had had discussions with Watt, Mike Vrabel – Watt’s former defensive coordinator in Houston – spoke of the possibility of a signing.You mentioned JJ Watt, and there will be other experienced players that we’ll be discussing about, and we’ve had discussions about JJ Watt”, Said Vrabel during a telephone conversation with season ticket holders.… There are many things it takes to bring in free agents, especially those who are over 30 or in the second half of their careerVrabel was the linebackers coach for the Texans from 2014-16 and DC in 2017. The Titans signed ex-Vrabel indictment Jadeveon Clowney last year, but he’s on track for free agency. And Tennessee’s pass rush still needs to be amplified.
• although Matthew Stafford Seeing the Colts as an opportunity during his time on the trade bloc, Indianapolis did not offer his first-round pick to the 12-year-old Detroit starter. Washington and Carolina offered first-rounders and change, while the Rams won with their monster offer. However, the Colts were a little concerned about the 33-year-old quarterback’s level of play and whether it would eventually become worthy of a major trading package, notes Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Frank Reich‘s history with Carson Wentz Undoubtedly, the Colts played a key role in the Colts’ bet on the old Eagles starter, keeping the team through the first and second rounds for 2021.
• The Texans hire former Lions character coach Dylan Thompson for a similar role, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweetsA former UDFA quarterback who moved to an off-field NFL role, Thompson is a friend of controversial Texan executive VP Jack EasterbyMichael David Smith of Pro Football Talk notes. His relationship with Easterby helped start his job in Detroit and earlier with the Charleston Southern basketball program.