The Texans are reevaluating their trade demands for Deshaun Watson.
Fox NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported Sunday that Houston is beginning to “soften” their asking price for the disgruntled Watson, who is still facing 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. ESPN reported two weeks ago that Houston GM Nick Caserio was seeking a package of six players and draft picks for Watson.
Asked whether there was a possibility of Watson suiting up for the Texans amid their quarterback woes, Glazer said there was no chance.
“Nope, not at all. And Deshaun Watson made it clear he does not want to play for the Houston Texans,” Glazer said Sunday on Fox’s NFL pregame show. “But it’s interesting because while we went into this season, the Texans were not really fielding phone calls. They weren’t open to trade talks unless somebody was going to give them a ridiculous trade offer – more than six draft picks.
“They’ve already been offered three ones and three threes. However, I was told this past week their stance started to soften a little bit with that.”
The Texans (1-2) went with rookie third-rounder Davis Mills at quarterback for their Thursday night loss to the Panthers after Tyrod Taylor, Watson’s replacement, suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2.
Watson is not only facing 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault but also nearly a dozen police complaints. The NFL has an ongoing investigation into the allegations against Watson. However, Glazer mentioned that Watson could immediately play for any team he is traded to.
“If [the Texans] end up trading Deshaun Watson right now he’s eligible to play,” Glazer said. “He’s eligible to play next week. He’s not on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. He’s not on the suspension list. So he can play immediately.”
Last season, the 26-year-old quarterback posted a career-high 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.