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One of the best things about the two-hour NFL cruise that takes place each morning on Live PFT is that the unrepeated, loosely described conversation often causes Simms or I to think of something that had not previously occurred to us.
Today, as I discussed the continued presence of quarterback Deshaun Watson on Houston’s roster, a light flickered for me. What if Watson tells the Texans, “I’m ready to play”?
Of course, Watson is done with the Texans. But the Texans are also done with Watson. If he plays and gets injured, their chances of getting multiple picks in the first round and more are soaring.
Houston’s talking points for Watson involve focusing on an everyday approach. Day by day. One day at a time. What if this was to keep Watson on board by making him think it’s coming? “It happens. Be patient, Deshaun. It happens.”
Watson is a football player. Football players play football. The first week arrives. Watson, despite his direct responsibility in his current situation, wants to play football. He doesn’t want to be paid for giving up a season of his career.
It’s not a question of whether he really wants to play for the Texans. It’s about whether he’ll tell the Texans he’s ready to play to force Houston’s hand. With Tyrod Taylor, Jeff Driskel, and Davis Mills on the list, what if Watson says, “Put me on, Coach? I am ready to play.
That might be the only way to get the Texans to trade Watson in the 2021 season.
And while in theory Texans could still choose to turn it off every week, it’s harder to make a de facto suspension work paid if the player does not participate. The 2006 ABC, negotiated a year after the Eagles finally sent Terrell Owens home with pay, shattered a team’s ability to do so. If Watson wants to fight a refusal to let him practice or play, he could.
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