Houston Texans star defensive tackle J.J. Watt has been the face of the franchise essentially since he first stepped an NFL field in 2011.
Watt is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time All-Pro. He is a former Walter Payton Man of the Year Award-winner and a staple in the community.
But his future in Houston remains unclear.
With the Texans in something of a transitory period, Watt has been brought up in trade rumors. His contract expires after 2021 when he is due a non-guaranteed base salary of $17.5 million. As Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported, the Texans might look to restructure Watt's deal or trade him, if they officially enter a rebuild.
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson spoke on Watt's future Thursday, saying he hopes Watt will be on the roster when Houston wins a super Bowl:
“J.J. is a big part of my career. I know he still has time to play,” Watson said, via Wilson. “Hopefully, he is still here in this organization because I want to be the one to give him that Super Bowl and be that quarterback that gave him that first one.”
Watson also said he understands football is a “crazy business.” It is even crazier when you are a member of this particular franchise.
The Texans have been through the wringer this year. Former general manager and Bill O'Brien traded away DeAndre Hopkins and subsequently got into a spat with Watt and other members of the organization, resulting in his dismissal. It has been a struggle ever since, as the Texans head into Week 17 at 4-11 and will face tons of uncertainty this offseason.
Whether Watt remains in Houston is unclear, though Watson would certainly love for him to remain with the Texans.
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