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Eric Christian Smith / Associated press
The Houston Texans would have understood that defensive end JJ Watt “deserves some clarification” about his future with the franchise at a potential crossroads following a commercial request from quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported on Saturday that it “might make more sense” for Watt and the Texans to go their separate ways:
Also, the vibe in Houston’s locker room after their season-ending loss to the Titans of Tennessee on Jan. 3, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year “played his last game as a Texan,” according to James palmer.
Watt has one season remaining in his six years, $ 100 million Contract. The Texans can release or trade him and wipe out his entire cap of $ 17.5 million for 2021 with no dead money going forward.
The 31-year-old Wisconsin native was virtually unblockable in his first five seasons after Houston called him in the first round of the 2011 Draft. He recorded 371 total tackles, 74.5 sacks, 45 defended passes, 15 forced fumbles and two touchdowns in his first 80 career games.
His career was derailed by injuries after that dominant start. He missed most of the next two seasons with two back surgeries in 2016 and knee surgery in 2017.
Watt rebounded with 16 sacks in 2018, but has only counted nine sacks in 24 appearances in the past two years.
The Texans defense as a whole suffered tremendously in 2020, ranking 30th in yards allowed (416.8 per game) and 27th for points allowed (29 per game) in a disappointing 4-12 season.
Watt’s frustration was evident in December when he discussed players who don’t always give 100%.
“We are professional athletes paid a lot of money”, Watt told reporters. “If you can’t go in and work the building, go to the training ground and work hard, do your elevators and do what you’re supposed to do, you shouldn’t be here. It’s a work. We are paid a lot of money. “
After the final against the Titans, he was shown by NFL Films apologizing to Watson for the team’s inability to capitalize on the quarterback’s formidable season:
Now the future of the stars can be linked.
If the Texans somehow manage to convince Watson to cancel his trade request and play in 2021, perhaps the front office will choose to keep Watt as a good faith measure to show that he is doomed to victory.
If Houston decides to move its franchise quarterback, however, it’s likely that the five-time Pro Bowl edge will also see his time with the team come to an end.
Watt would generate a lot of interest from title contenders if he enters free agency.
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