HOUSTON – A day after it was reported that Deshaun Watson had filed for a swap, new Houston Texans head coach David Culley said at his introductory press conference that he took the job knowing Watson was the Texans’ quarterback.
“He’s the Houston Texans quarterback, and that’s all I was concerned about,” Culley said when asked about his knowledge of Watson’s status when he applied for the job. ‘That’s all I knew and no matter what was said about what he did or didn’t want to do. All I know is this …
“He’s a Texan from Houston. And I wanted to become a Houston Texan. And the reason I’m in this position today is because I knew he was going to be a Houston Texan. The things that were said from the outside are irrelevant to me. “
Watson, who signed a four-year, $ 156 million contract extension in September, is under contract through the 2025 season. He has a no-trade clause, but given the length of his contract and the option to franchise him for three years. tagging, the Texans could choose not to trade him and would have control of his rights through the 2028 season.
Watson’s trade request came after he was reportedly unhappy with the process the team used to hire Nick Caserio in early January.
Organizational, I would like to reiterate our commitment to Deshaun Watson, said Caserio. “He has had a big impact on this organization, a big impact on many people, a big impact on this team, and we look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with him here this spring, once we get started.
“And we have no interest in trading the player. We have a great plan, a great vision for him and for this team, and his role on this team, and we look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with him this spring. to spend. . “
If the Texans choose not to trade Watson, he can choose not to report to mandatory team activities or training camp, but for a fee. Houston can fine Watson $ 95,877 for missing a mini camp and fine him $ 50,000 a day for each missed training camp day plus a weekly wage – $ 620,000 – for each missed preseason game. In the unlikely scenario that Watson chooses to retire, the Texans could cash in $ 21.6 million.