Deshaun Watson’s Future Career in the NFL
The Houston Texans ended the 2020 season with a record of 4 wins and 12 losses and had much to look forward to for 2021 with the hopes of building a stronger and better team with the help of their young quarterback. However, for Houston, this may not be the case.
In late January Adam Schefter reported that Deshaun Watson had requested a trade from the Houston Texans. Similar to the situation with the Green Bay Packers in regards to Aaron Rodgers, the Texans are now reconsidering their three-time Pro Bowl quarterback’s stay in Houston.
However, the Deshaun Watson situation is a bit more difficult.
Dashaun Watson addressing concerns regarding allegations made towards him. (via Deshaun Watson’s Twitter)
Since mid-March, there has been a total of 22 women who have come forwards and are now suing Watson for alleged sexual assault. It has been reported that these allegations may not be resolved until after the 2021 season, which draws concerns to Watson’s status for the 2021 NFL season. What is more concerning is that he is unable to be deposed until at least Feb. 22, 2022, according to ESPN reporters Jeremy Fowler and Sarah Bishop.
Since the allegations have first been made, Watson has denied any and all claims in a post on Twitter. He has claimed that he has “never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect” and suggests that the “Plaintiff’s lawyer is demanding a six-figure settlement demand” despite it not being about money. The Houston Texans on the other hand have yet to provide any statement to the public regarding Watson’s sexual allegations.
It is clear that the quarterback has not changed his thoughts on being traded, despite the allegations made. ESPN reporter Jeremy Bergman states that although the quarterback has been missing organized team events, he still wishes to be traded. Not only is Watson under investigation by the Houston Police Department, but the NFL is also doing an investigation of their own on Watson. A potential outcome of this investigation could risk the quarterback being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List or suspended for the upcoming season.
Due to the allegations made against Watson and his desire to be traded, Houston has wasted no time on finding potential replacements for the quarterback. This offseason they signed veterans quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Finley in addition to drafting quarterback Davis Mills from Stanford in the third round, their first pick of the draft.
Texan’s quarterback showing his followers the work he is putting in during the off-season. (via Deshaun Watson’s Twitter)
Due to the circumstances of Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers, it would make the most sense for the Texans to show interest in trading quarterbacks with Green Bay, but there surprisingly has been no reported interest in any sort of trade between the two teams. There has yet to be any confirmation on where Watson will be for the 2021 season, but Aaron Wilson has reported that there are several teams still showing interest in Watson. These teams include the Eagles, Panthers, Jets, Dolphin, 49ers and even the Broncos.
The situations is still ongoing and could lead all the way into next season. With all things considered, it is getting less and less likely that Watson takes a snap for the Houston Texans next season, whatever the reason may be.