Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson has requested a trade and is likely to be the focus of the offseason in the coming weeks and months.
In his latest report, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said Watson's request came over a week ago. Head coaching candidates interviewing with the Texans were made aware of this point as well, suggesting Watson's request stems from the team's failure to include him in the search for a new general manager.
But Rapoport saved the most notable part for last. The insider revealed over half of the league has called the Texans about Watson's availability:
From NFL Now: #Texans QB Deshaun Watson has officially requested a trade. And we're off… pic.twitter.com/ENuUpA9AGv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 28, 2021
The extent of interested teams is perhaps not a surprise, both considering Watson's tremendous level of talent as well as an unprecedented number of quarterbacks possibly primed to change teams this offseason.
Houston has yet to give any indication it is seriously shopping Watson at this time. But the Texans will have no problem finding suitors if they make him readily available.
Watson has wasted little time proving himself a franchise quarterback. The former Clemson star was magnificent in 2020 despite Houston's 4-12 record, completing 70.2 percent of his passes for a league-high 4,823 yards. Watson threw 33 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, also rushing for 444 yards and three scores.
Previous reports suggested Watson would prefer to play for the New York Jets or Miami Dolphins. However, as Rapoport indicated, his market is not limited to just two teams.
It could just be a matter of time before the city of Houston loses yet another preeminent superstar following James Harden's trade from the Rockets. Where Watson might land is anyone's guess, given the number of teams reportedly involved.
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