Report: Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson misses practice

Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson continues to seek a trade as the season approaches. Watson did not travel with the team to its first preseason game after participating in four practices last week. Now, DeShaun Watson has missed Monday’s team practice, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Brooks Kubena.

“Nothing has changed from last week,” Texans coach David Culley said Monday morning. “We’re not going to talk about what we do in personnel each day in practice. We haven’t done that all fall, so we’re not gonna do that.”

DeShaun Watson participated in practice four times last week. Reports indicate that his frustrations bubbled while exiting the practice field.

Potential trade talks

Texans GM Nick Caserio told NBC Sports there has been “a lot of speculation” and “a lot of moving parts” in getting a trade done for Watson. Part of the issue lies in pending legal charges against the quarterback. At least 10 women have filed complaints of sexual assault against Watson to the Houston police.

In light of such accusations, the Texans may not be able to get the deal they want. NBC Sports reports that the potential suitors (Panthers, Broncos, Eagles and Dolphins) will not complete a trade until the legal issues are resolved.

There is also the issue of Watson’s looming pay increase. He is set to receive a massive raise in 2022, going from $10.5 million a season to $35 million. The Texans need to find a team willing to take on such a salary, which could be challenging.

Paid leave remains a possibility. Should Deshaun Watson end up facing criminal charges, he would likely be suspended by the NFL and forced to miss several games and hinder his trade value further.

Many of the suitors have also been linked to disgruntled Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who recently returned to the team after restructuring his deal to open a window to leave next season.

About Watson

The Houston Texans selected Watson with the No. 12 pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He was then fresh off a national championship victory with Clemson and regarded as one of the best quarterbacks available. He led the NFL in passing yards with 4,823 in 2020, while adding 444 yards rushing.

In four seasons with the Texans, Watson has compiled a 28-25 record. He led them to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2018 and 2019. However, Houston finished just 4-12 last season following the trade of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Watson’s frustrations grew when the team parted ways with former All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt this offseason.