Patrick Mahomes and Eric Bieniemy played a role in Deshaun Watson’s anger with the Texans
After an explanation from Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson is furious with the Houston Texans.
The Houston Texans might be looking to the future, but Deshaun Watson might be left in the past.
The Texans and Watson are now at a stalemate entering the 2021 NFL offseason. According to multiple reports, the franchise did not inform the 25-year-old that they intended to hire former New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio as the team’s next general manager.
Watson, who recently signed a four-year, $150 million extension, offered input on who the team should look into for the next position. There’s no indication that the quarterback and Caserio have qualms, but the team left him in the dark after stating his role with the team.
Now, things are becoming even hazier.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Watson’s frustrations also stem from the team’s failure to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for the head coaching position. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes put in a strong word for the hottest name on the market, and Watson backed up the claim.
Watson advocated for Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy—Pat Mahomes put in a strong word for EB with Watson—and the Texans didn’t even put in for an interview with Bieniemy.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 8, 2021
Easy to see where he’d feel like they were just placating him by telling him he’d be involved. https://t.co/F3cTcyJkFU
The team has yet to interview the 51-year-old for its vacant head coaching position.
Watson’s frustrations could mean trouble for the Texans
The Texans are looking to turn over a new leaf this offseason following a 4-12 season. The team fired Bill O’Brien after starting the year 0-4 as both head coach and general manager. Following suit, Texans owner Cal McNair stated that Watson would be essential in the hiring process of both positions.
This isn’t the first time the Texans have left Watson out of the know. Last season, O’Brien traded All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for David Johnson and a second-round pick. Watson was not informed until after the trade was finalized.
Texans did not request an interview with Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, per sources. They are the only team with an HC opening that has not requested nor interviewed him. https://t.co/eTr7mdz0Gb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2021
Should Watson ask for a trade this offseason, Houston would have to absorb a salary-cap charge of $22 million in 2021. However, a player of Watson’s potential would garner back a bounty of draft picks and players.
Only time will tell if the two parties can reach an agreement, but for now, Caserio will have a big job ahead of him in the coming weeks.
Next. Here’s what it would take for Houston to trade Deshaun Watson. dark