Texans QB Deshaun Watson formally requests trade

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Houston, we have a problem! Superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson formally requested a trade from the Texans earlier this week.

The rumors of a potential divorce had been circulating for weeks following the Texans disappointing 4-12 season, so most sports fans shouldn’t be surprised.

The timing of the official request is quite interesting, Watson’s announcement of his desire to be traded came just one day after the Texans announced the hiring of their new head coach David Pulley, formally an assistant coach for the Baltimore Ravens.

To many sports pundits, the hiring of Pulley, a Black man, can be seen either as an attempt to appease Watson or an attempt to create the narrative that Watson has no reason to be disgruntled.

Watson, a 3x pro-bowler and the 2020 passing yards leader, was rumored to be upset with the Texans organization for a few reasons. First, he was reported to have been concerned with the Texans lack of action in regards to making efforts to support social justice issues. Second, he was rumored to be disappointed that he had no input in the search for the team’s new general manager, or head coach.

One thing is for certain, Watson is indeed a top 5 quarterback in the NFL and wields enormous leverage. He signed a 4-year, $156 million dollar contract extension back in September; one that came with a no-trade clause.

If he does, indeed, decide to force the Texans hand by not playing for them, they will ultimately be forced to trade him to a destination he prefers.

The New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and the San Francisco 49ers are the organizations speculated by most to be potential landing spots for the highly talented quarterback.