The Houston Texans have insisted they have no desire to trade quarterback Deshaun Watson, and that's the story they're sticking to. Watson, on the other hand, has grown frustrated with the organization and wants out of Houston. Until last week (see below), the young star quarterback had cut off all contact with the team as the two sides remain in deadlock.
The Texans' refusal to give in to Watson's demands hasn't stopped teams from reaching out. Those inquiries continue to be ignored, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini (h/t to Patrick Tulini). Houston isn't budging.
Houston continues to avoid conversations with teams in regards to trading Deshaun Watson per sources. They are refusing to trade their franchise QB.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 25, 2021
That hasn't stopped Watson from continuing to comment on his current predicament. Following Russini's report, the quarterback tweeted the following about loyalty.
Loyalty is everything. Don't you EVER forget it.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) February 25, 2021
The situation between Watson and the Texans appears to be far from resolved and could continue to drag further into the offseason. The two sides reportedly met last week, and the quarterback once again made it clear he has no intention of playing for the Texans again.
Per sources, Texans QB Deshaun Watson met with new Texans head coach David Culley last Friday. In that meeting Watson reiterated that he wants to be traded and told Culley he has no intention of playing for the Texans again. No change from Watson's end. He remains dug in.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 25, 2021
Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch has once again expressed confidence in Jimmy Garoppolo. He was recently asked on the Eye Test for Two podcast if there is any doubt that Garoppolo will the team's quarterback in September, assuming he is healthy.
"No," Lynch responded. "Not at all. I really believe that."
Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football, like others, doesn't see Lynch's response as a guarantee, though.
"What else is he supposed to say?" asked Schrager while noting that it would be easy for the 49ers to backpedal on the comments should circumstances change. "… But in this moment, there is no win for John Lynch to say anything other than, 'Yes, Jimmy Garoppolo is our quarterback,' because he is."