HOUSTON – Speaking for the first time since the introductory press conference, Houston Texans head coach David Culley reiterated that the team is dedicated to defender Deshaun Watson.
“We are very dedicated to Deshaun as our defender,” Culley said. “He’s our defender. He’s the only guy we’ve hired right now, right now.”
Watson has requested a transaction, less than six months after signing a four-year, $ 156 million contract extension through the 2025 season. Watson’s commercial request came after the quarterback was fired. dissatisfied with the process used by the team to hire general manager Nick Caserio in January.
Watson has a trading clause, but given the length of his contract and the possibility of labeling it as a franchise for three years, Texans could choose not to trade it and have control of his rights until the 2028 season.
When asked if Texans will trade Watson, Culley said, “Deshaun Watson is a Texan from Houston. And we are dedicated to him. “
Culley said “there is no emergency plan yet” if Watson chooses to stay instead of playing for Houston.
The new Texan head coach met with Watson over Zoom in mid-February, where the defender reiterated, according to Dan Graziano, ESPN, that he never wants to play in Houston again. Culley declined to say what the two discussed, saying he wanted to keep that between him and Watson.
When asked if Watson was committed to the Texans in the same way that Culley says the team is dedicated to the defender, Culley said, “Yes, he is.”
After referring to the Texans’ commitment to Watson by signing him to a contract extension, Culley said: “I feel the same commitment would have been made for us. [from Watson] also.”