Are the Houston Texans really prepared to let its star quarterback and face-of-the-franchise Deshaun Watson sit for this season, and perhaps beyond? It seems plausible after the perennial AFC South contenders signed journeyman QB Tyrod Taylor to an incentive-laden one-year deal that could be worth more than $12 million.

Before Tyrod Taylor's ink dried, Watson was the only quarterback on Houston's roster. Now, not so much.

What Tyrod Taylor's Signing Means

Following Philip Rivers' departure to the Indianapolis Colts, Tyrod Taylor looked poised for significant snaps with the Los Angeles Chargers last year before a punctured lung pushed him to the sidelines. Former Oregon Ducks quarterback and rookie Justin Herbert starred in the primary role. Herbert went on and to win the NFL “Rookie of the Year” along the way — and the rest, they say, is history.

Tyrod Taylor is on the northern side of 30-years-old but has been more than serviceable in his career. His career number includes a 24-21-1 record, a 61.4% completion percentage, more than 9,000 yards passing, 54 passing touchdowns, more than 1,800 yards rushing, 16 rushing touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He's not as prolific of a dual-threat quarterback as Watson, but the fact Houston signed someone with a similar skill-set means they could be prepared for a stalemate.

From PFT's Myles Simmons:

“The Texans have crafted an insurance policy for the game’s most important position. If Houston were to trade Watson, they would at least have Taylor as a signal-caller with 47 games of starting experience. Plus, Taylor worked with Houston’s quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton with the Chargers last year, so there’s familiarity with the team’s staff.”

Two weeks ago, PFT's Mike Florio added even more intrigue on top of the pile, when he reported on comments from Los Angeles Rams defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who's represented by the same agent as Watson:

Appearing on the Huddle & Flow podcast, Ramsey said this of Watson: ‘I highly doubt he will suit up in a Texans’ uniform again. He’s extremely serious.

Ramsey’s position isn’t guesswork or informed speculation. He and Watson are represented by the same agent, David Mulugheta. Also, Ramsey has been there, done that when it comes to getting away from a team for which he doesn’t want to play. At one point while Ramsey was trying to get out of Jacksonville, a photo emerged of him alongside Watson, and Mulugheta in Houston.

So, yes, Watson means what he says, even if he has yet to say it publicly.

Watson Has Been Magnificent For The Texans

Watson isn't just one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league (currently on a 4-year/$156 million deal), he's also one of the best. He's already approaching 15,000 career passing yards in just three and a half seasons of work, boasting a 3-to-1 passing touchdown-to-interception ratio. Not to be outdone he's rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. He's seen his top wideout, DeAndre Hopkins, dealt to Arizona for running back David Johnson and some draft chips. It seems like one of the major problems has been that he hasn't been consulted in some of the latest front office or coaching moves.

So if ownership isn't willing to acquiesce to any trade demands he has, then Houston has a problem.