NEWSLETTER
Deshaun Watson has let it be known that he wants out of Houston, and he’s willing to miss games to demonstrate that desire. But the Texans insist on playing hardball, expressing their intent to keep the star quarterback by refusing to even field offers.
Ultimately, this is an old-fashioned Texas stare-down, where whichever side blinks first won’t ride off into the sunset with a happy ending.
And in the eyes of John McClain, the Houston Chronicle writer is has long been the authority on Texans football, it’s time for Houston’s upper management to budge, honor Watson’s request, and move forward:
New #Texans from Houston Chronicle — McClain: It’s time Texans entertain trade offers for Deshaun Watson https://t.co/yN0373Fs2N
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) February 27, 2021
At some point, one side or the other has to give an inch.
Because while both sides maintain full interest in standing their ground, something has to give eventually. Perhaps it should be the Texans, who have clearly broken the trust of their star player. Any time a player shows an interest and willingness to sit out and lose game checks to prove a point is telling. Maybe it’s time for Houston to own up to its place in the football power chain as a team needing a rebuild. Once that happens, it should be easy to deal Watson to a team he likes and get pieces to aid in jump-starting an organizational rebuild.
There figures to be no shortage of teams willing to risk it all to get Watson on their team. So between the bevy of suitors and the caliber of player Watson is, there should be an ample number of attractive offers. And while it’s understandable as to why the Texans would want to stand firm, there’s a reality about Houston’s situation that needs to set in. The sooner it happens, the better for all parties.
The time to maximize, in terms of a return, on a star player is between now and the Draft. Once Houston realizes the last bit of leverage they have in this regard, maybe a trade will come to roost. And if the Chicago Bears are paying attention, they should be at the front of the line.
