Deshaun Watson will not travel with Houston Texans for preseason opener

First, Deshaun Watson requested a trade in the offseason. Now, the former Clemson quarterback will not travel with the Houston Texans to their preseason opener against Green Bay, according to NBC Sports.

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’re hoping for.

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.

Will Watson ever take another snap for Houston? He was seen at practice on Monday, however, reports surfaced in late July that he was listed as the Texans’ No. 4 quarterback.

Plenty of other quarterbacks around the league have also made the decision to not play in the preseason. Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott are among those who sat or will sit out preseason. However, the trade rumors swirling around Watson give his decision not to play a different tone.

Houston selected Watson with the No. 12 pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He was then fresh off of a national championship victory with Clemson and regarded as one of the best quarterbacks available. He led the NFL in passing yards (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.

The team is clearly in no position to compete with the Titans in the AFC South, let alone the rest of the AFC. It seems parting ways would be best for both Watson and the organization. However, how soon they are able to do so depends on factors that are outside the control of both.

Photo courtesy of Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.