The Houston Texans have been cold to trade calls on Deshaun Watson up to now, but they’ve apparently not even been answering said calls.
Deshaun Watson may have asked for a trade behind the scenes, and the Houston Texans have put it out there consistently that they aren’t doing it. But Watson met with new head coach David Culley late last week, and according ESPN’s Dan Graziano told Culley he does not intend to play for the Texans again.
The Texans stance may be a leverage play right now, in order to keep multiple possible suitors in on giving up the massive haul they’re sure to get for Watson if he’s declared available. The ball has been in Watson’s court to go public with his trade request, if only to apply pressure. While that still hasn’t happened in that many words, he remains “dug in” on wanting out.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has added Watson and Culley have not yet met in person, and spoke briefly recently. But he added something that’s actually pretty funny in the right light.
The Texans are treating Deshaun Watson trade calls like robo-calls
So when teams call about Watson, according to Pelissero, the Texans are letting it go to voice mail. And some messages are being left, with trade offers. Wouldn’t we love to hear those audio clips? “This is (insert GM) from the (insert team), and I’d like to offer you our first-round picks for the next three years along with (insert player, or two?) for Deshaun.” “Let’s talk.”
Do the Texans listen to the messages? Or just delete them? Do they call back, curtly reject the offer and hang up? There are so many questions that will remain unanswered. But there’s no doubt Watson wants to be traded, and the Texans are trying to maintain he’s not available. Something will have to give, and the betting money should be on the team eventually bending.