There is a strong possibility that J.J. Watt and Deshaun Watson won't be with the Houston Texans when the 2021 season begins.
While Watson hasn't officially requested a trade, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Texans will likely accommodate and trade Watt, according to John P. Lopez of SportsRadio 610 in Houston.
Been out of pocket all day doing family stuff, but catching up on texts from sources:
— John P. Lopez (@LopezOnSports) January 16, 2021
Texans are leaning toward accommodating J.J. and he'll likely be moved. And Deshaun is, in fact, legit alienated.
"Pretty much irreparable," I'm told.
Also: "You'll hear from J.J. next."
Following Houston's season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Watt was captured on video consoling Watson and telling him he's sorry the team "wasted" one of his years.
"I'm sorry, we wasted one of your years."
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 5, 2021
Watt to Watson after a tough season. pic.twitter.com/mcTVK3ZeJG
After the game, the All-Pro defensive end acknowledged that his future with the Texans is murky. Watt's desire to play for a championship contender has been known for a while.
The 31-year-old was mentioned as a potential trade candidate leading up to the trade deadline this season, but he wound up finishing the year in Houston.
Watt has one year remaining on his current contract at $17.5 million. He's undeniably one of the best players in Texans history, winning Defensive Player of the Year three times and earning five Pro Bowl selections. He is also a five-time All-Pro and was named Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2017.
In 128 regular-season games, Watt has 101 sacks, 409 solo tackles, 25 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, 172 tackles for a loss and 281 quarterback hits.
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