David Culley says he took the Houston Texans head coach job knowing Deshaun Watson was the team’s quarterback



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HOUSTON – A day after it was reported that Deshaun Watson had requested a trade, new Houston Texans head coach David Culley said in his introductory press conference that he had accepted the job in knowing Watson was the Texans quarterback.

“He’s the Houston Texans quarterback, and that’s all I was worried about,” Culley said when asked about his knowledge of Watson’s status during his job interview. “That’s all I knew and all that was said about what he wanted or didn’t want to do. All I know is this. …

“He’s a Houston Texan. And I wanted to be a Houston Texan. And the reason I’m in this job today is because I knew he was going to be a Houston Texan. were said do not concern me. “

Watson, who signed a four-year, $ 156 million contract extension in September, is under contract until the 2025 season. He has a no-trade clause, but given the length of his contract and with the ability to brand him franchise for three years, the Texans could choose not to trade him and would have control of his rights until the 2028 season.

Watson’s swap request came after he was reportedly unhappy with the process the team used to hire Nick Caserio in early January.

“Organizationally, I just want to reiterate our commitment to Deshaun Watson,” Caserio said. “He’s had a big impact on this organization, a big impact on a lot of people, a big impact on this team, and we look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with him here this spring, once we have. begin.

“And we have no interest in trading the player. We have a great plan, a great vision for him and for this team, and his role in this team, and we look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with him. him here this spring. “

If the Texans choose not to trade Watson, he could choose not to attend mandatory team activities or training camp, but at a cost. Houston can fine Watson $ 95,877 for a missing minicamp and fine him $ 50,000 per day for each day of training camp missed plus a week’s pay – $ 620,000 – for each pre-game. -season missed. In the unlikely scenario where Watson chooses to retire, the Texans can raise $ 21.6 million.

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