NFL drama never ends.
Be it preseason cuts, confrontations, or internal turmoil, the league never fails to keep itself on news cycles even in the offseason.
However, sometimes the issue can be downright weird.
Case in point: Deshaun Watson with the Houston Texans.
Watson And Texans Remain In Weird Limbo
He did request for a trade one year into his four-year, $156 million contract extension.
As soon as the news came out, teams in need of a quarterback were coming up with trade packages to acquire the defending passing yards leader.
A player like him will command multiple first-round draft picks and some cash considerations.
The demand for him was so through the roof that everyone expected him to wear a new jersey in 2021.
The Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears were just some of the teams that desired the Pro Bowl quarterback.
But a lot can happen in the NFL in such a short time.
Injuries may occur and controversies may arise.
Deshaun Watson: “Why are you all always filming me every day? It’s the same s—.” pic.twitter.com/nL6p5Rlkl9
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) August 12, 2021
For Watson, the latter came like an avalanche.
Sexual harassment allegations against Watson came from not one, not 10, but 22 individuals.
He continues to deny any wrongdoing and litigation is still pending.
Yet despite the tainted reputation and the controversy that looms like a dark cloud over the organization, Watson continues to attend practices.
Attending is one thing, participating is another matter.
With the way preseason is going, Watson looks like an outcast while the Texans intend to start Tyrod Taylor with David Mills and Jeff Driskel as backups.
There’s still a chance that they trade for another quarterback, too.
If Watson isn’t a part of their plans for 2021 and beyond, why keep him?
Breaking: Human Trafficking unit is reportedly heading up subpoenas on Deshaun Watson case per @MarkBermanFox26 . This is something I discussed early on in this case on @OddCoupleFSR @Chris_Broussard @RobParkerFS1 . If true, theres possibility of trafficking/prostitution charges
— Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) August 13, 2021
Why hold onto someone who will not be a part of your long-term goals?
He needs football more than ever to serve as a distraction from the legal and ethical issues he is facing.
But languishing on the sidelines will make him struggle with the controversies even more.
Whatever reasons the Texans have, they have the advantage because Watson is under contract.
If he leaves camp, Watson can be subject to penalties that will diminish his potential earnings.
Yet it seems like the team is still hoping that Watson will come to his senses and would want to play for Houston.
There’s also a possibility that they are not blinking until they get the right deal.
Given how young and talented Watson is, the Texans would like to receive a massive haul for their quarterback.
Anything less than three first-round draft picks would be an unfair deal for him.
The Texans may also ask a starter in return because they are losing a big-time player.
Regardless of what their plan is, there should be proper communication between the concerned parties.
Start the trade talks for Watson despite the off-field drama.
Negotiations take time anyway and having him on the sidelines can be detrimental to team chemistry.
The more that he’s with the Texans, tensions are likely to arise.
That’s a dysfunction that the team cannot afford as they try to be relevant in their division and in the AFC.
NEXT: 3 Bold Predictions For The Fascinating 2021 Houston Texans