Deshaun Watson 'Officially' Asks To Be Traded From Texans

The world's worst secret in the NFL is out today. Various media sources are now reporting that Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson has "officially" asked for a trade from the franchise.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the request was made weeks ago, but it hit early Thursday morning after the team hired Ravens assistant David Culley to be their new head coach.

There was some initial thought that maybe Culley could talk Watson into staying with Houston, but Schefter said that Culley's hire has not changed Watson's mind.

As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network points out, Watson has a no-trade clause, and due to his contract, he can decide where he ends up in 2021.

The issues between Houston and Watson began smoldering right after the season ended. The quarterback wasn't happy about how the team handled things in 2020, and reports indicate he wanted a say in who would be brought in as the next head coach and GM.

The team didn't confer with Watson before they hired former Patriots executive Nick Caserio, whom they had been looking to hire for the past few years.

ESPN reports that Watson hasn't had one conversation with Caserio nor has he spoken to executive Jack Easterby.

Though the Texans went 4-12, Watson had another great season throwing the ball in 2020. He set career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage, throwing 33 touchdowns with seven picks, a career low.

The 33 touchdowns and 4,823 passing yards were also single-season franchise records.

Teams that have already been mentioned for Watson include the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Football Team.