Deshaun Watson is set to report to Texans training camp, but that doesn't mean he's happy in Houston.
In fact, the 25-year-old quarterback still wants to be traded by the Texans. He's just facing a small obstacle in his quest to make that happen: Per ESPN's Ed Werder, no team has asked Watson to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate any deal, indicating a lack of trade interest.
QB Deshaun Watson still wants #Texans to trade him. He has no-trade clause in his contract so he and his representation would be directly involved in any such eventual move if it happens. So far no team has asked he waive the clause to accommodate a potential trade.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 25, 2021
Watson's concerns aren't related to his on-field performance. He completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 4,823 yards, 33 passing touchdowns and just seven interceptions last year, despite being surrounded by a weak supporting cast in Houston.
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However, Watson has major off-the-field problems. Watson faces 23 civil suits accusing him of inappropriate conduct and sexual assault. As such, it makes minimal sense for any team to consider trading for Watson until his off-field situation is resolved.
Watson doesn't look like he's going to be traded, but why is he reporting to training camp if he doesn't want to play in Houston? It's mostly about the money, and avoiding a daily fine of $50,000, per Werder. Additionally, Werder suggested that, by reporting to Texans camp, Watson is showing teams he believes the NFL "has no cause at this point to place him on (the) Commissioner Exempt List."
Quarterback Deshaun Watson will report to the #Texans today to avoid being fined $50K per day during their training camp, according to a source. Watson’s trade request remains in effect with source saying nothing has changed in that regard.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 25, 2021
By reporting to #Texans, QB Deshaun Watson protects $10M salary, avoids risking $50K per day in fines + sends message to potential trade suitors that he’s prepared to play football, he’s available and that #NFL has no cause at this point to place him on Commissioner Exempt List.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 25, 2021
The spotlight will continue to be on Watson and the Texans, as he's one of the biggest question marks remaining at the quarterback position this offseason. He — along with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers — will continue to be involved in trade rumors until their situations are resolved.
But because of Watson's legal troubles, it doesn't seem like that will happen any time soon.
