HOUSTON – For the first time since his introductory press conference, Houston Texans head coach David Culley reiterated the team’s commitment to quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“We are very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback,” said Culley. He’s our quarterback. He’s the only man we have a contract with at the moment. ‘
Watson filed for a trade less than six months after signing a four-year, $ 156 million contract extension, which will run through the 2025 season. Watson’s trade request came after the quarterback was unhappy with the process the team was using. to hire general manager Nick Caserio in January.
Watson has a no-trade clause, but given the length of his contract and the option of franchising him for three years, the Texans could choose not to trade him and would have control over his rights up to and including the 2028 season.
When asked if the Texans are going to trade Watson, Culley said, “Deshaun Watson is a Houston Texan. And we are committed to him. ‘
Culley said “there is no contingency plan as of now” if Watson chooses to sit outside instead of playing for Houston.
The new Texas head coach met Watson over Zoom in mid-February, where the quarterback reiterated he never wants to play for Houston again, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Culley declined to say what the two were discussing, saying he wanted to keep it between him and Watson.
When asked if Watson was committed to the Texans in the same way that Culley says the team is committed to the quarterback, Culley said, “Yes, he is.”
After referring to the commitment the Texans made to Watson by signing him to a contract extension, Culley said, “I have a feeling that the same commitment would be made to us. [from Watson] also.”