Now that we are past the flurry of updates surrounding the New York Jets hiring of Robert Saleh, we can return to the Deshaun Watson rumor mill. The latest entry into the saga between the disgruntled quarterback and his current team, the Houston Texans, involves the following tweet by Watson (h/t to Patrick Tulini).
I was on 2 then I took it to 10
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) January 15, 2021
To what on Earth is Watson referring? You may remember the following tweet on Sunday by ESPN insider Adam Schefter. That should clear things up for you if you were at a loss.
Also worth noting: One source said this week that, after Houston traded Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last off-season, Deshaun Watson's anger level was "a 2….This time, it's a 10." https://t.co/CsqZYbe3OK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2021
Watson seemingly confirms what Schefter reported — that his anger level was at a level 2 when the Texans traded away wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins without asking for the quarterback's input. The latest disrespect by the organization has Watson at level 10.
Watson's most recent frustration stems from the Texans indicating to the quarterback that his input would be taken into account during the team's searches for a new general manager and head coach. The team failed to follow through on that promise while hiring Nick Caserio for the general manager role, creating a rift between the Texans and their star quarterback.
Some speculate that Watson might even go as far as to demand a trade, just months after signing a massive four-year extension. That is where the San Francisco 49ers, and any other team that could be looking to upgrade its quarterback position, could come in. While Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have offered votes of confidence in current starter Jimmy Garoppolo, Shanahan made it clear that the team is always looking to upgrade — no matter the position.
Of course, any trade for Watson would require significant compensation for the Texans, should the team be willing to move on from the former No. 12 overall pick.