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Do you think Watson will accept a trade to the Jets?

Do you think Watson will accept a trade to the Jets?


  • Total voters
    25

76Texan

Hall of Fame
Again name one player who signed a mega contract and then wanted to be traded in the same year. Don’t worry, it never happened before.
So you're now using the 13.2% tactic? :ahhaha:

His no trade clause isn't leverage at all when He still has 7 seasons left on his contract and the team still has to pay his salary..

Players get no trade clauses to protect them towards the end of their contracts.. not a few months into a blockbuster one. If he or his agent even brought up that no trade clause, I'd laugh maniacally for a good 30 seconds, then hang up the ******* phone, and wait for them to call me back :).. and if they really wanted out, they would.

His no trade clause doesn't mean Jack, because we don't have to trade him.. The ink on his long term contract isn't even dry yet.
Nah, the NTC is to prevent Watson from having to go to a few hell holes that nobody wants to be in.
With the parity in the NFL today, there are very few places like that.

And like I said, it doesn't matter if the ink is dripping wet. The Texans' only positive scenario is to trade him while he's still a hot commodity.

Just wait and see.
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
Really!?.. They stomached Billy (()) and his complete dismantling of their entire Franchise, They're stomaching Rev Easterby against even bigger fan backlash.. even bigger negative media coverage. Have you seen Cal's stomach these days? All he does is eat/digest **** 😁
You're assuming he can't stand Jack.
There's nothing further from the truth than that. :mcclain:
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
So everyone has their opinion about the possible or not going to happen trade of Watson. Everyone feels they’re right....best way to solve this, have some fun:

A friendly wager of a fun amount...maybe $5 to make your guess. One entry and one entry only as to what you think will happen with Watson. Right party wins pizza money.
You can see that @Corrosion has already hedging his bet for a long time now.
Nobody will know if Watson will waive his NTC.
He could easily say that to help save Cal's face, which isn't the first time things have been done.
Just like saying the Texans have all the leverages and they can fine him or go after his money, etc.
Well, duh.
Everybody knows that.

Like I said, the only thing that matters is to end a stalemate in an amiable manner.

Watson holds the best cards in that he can always come back to play in a Texans uni, taking his money, and the Texans franchise would still be in purgatory for a long time.

These guys talk big, but they aren't cutting their nose. :ahhaha:
 

JWLCASPER

Waterboy
I was specifically asking him that question since he’s in that particular field.
The issue with this power play is the position of the client and the contract. Quarterbacks are the one position that can really move a needle because of the investment cost to the owner and the scarcity of the commodity. Add in that a new extension was recently signed and you have a fight brewing.

At this point, after requesting a trade, leaks to the media, Hopkins comments, Andre’s comments, JJ leaving, and every other drop in the bucket since the initial trade request, there is no way Mulugheta backs down here because the court of public opinion (mostly) is on his and Watson’s side because the Texans aren’t viewed as a well ran organization (they haven’t been). The only way this “smooths” over and Watson stays the Texans quarterback of the current and the future is if Watson has a total change of heart, he sees this holdout as bad for his brand and his life view, and he tells Mulugheta to cool the waters. Agents work for the player, no matter what some agents want to believe. I see this is unlikely but I am holding out hope.

Those unnamed sources (players) suggesting Watson doesn’t care about money and will sit the whole season aren’t privy enough on the new CBA to comment. Many players are the opposite of business savvy and live for the day... if Watson sits the whole year it will hurt his pockets more so than it did LeVeon because the extension has been signed and the new CBA really strengthened the owners’ grip once a contract is in place.

Mulugheta is steadfast but not stupid, and it’s why he’s publicly rebutted that Watson will miss camps or time early this season...he’s not going to risk his client’s paycheck yet.

With that said, there is no reason for either side to make a move until the draft draws closer. Mulugheta risks the court of public opinion swaying if he is too vocal. Texans lose whatever control of the situation they have the moment they agree to anything.

@Texansballer74 you asked where does Watson go from here or what would I advise him to do. This very moment we wait until the draft, because I still think the Texans cave to public pressure because they haven’t proven they will hold tight (Cal more so than NC). If Texans do not cave and this moves into training camp and OTAs, Watson reports and is limited to the media. All questions regarding trades will be directed to Texans brass, all questions regarding any other business detail directed to me the agent or the proper support channel.

We do whatever we have to do to ensure the season tolls, and we keep the pressure on Houston to move Watson.

I adhere to the principle that you do not take money out of your client’s pockets unless it is contracted to you. If the player is so steadfast that he is willing to lose millions to be happy, I will consult with them and also bring in a financial advisor to reevaluate our 1-3-5-10 year plans and see how this affects the long game for my client’s financials (football money isn’t his only money). If the player remains steadfast in his decision (LeVeon) then he can sit because that’s his prerogative, I work for him, not the other way around.

As @76Texan has stated, the scorched earth method may make everyone here feel better, but it’s not good business for any party involved and the Texans aren't going to fine Watson for conduct detrimental multiple times to block his contract. Eventually if Watson doesn’t have a change of heart a trade will be consummated, but NC is doing his best to play Pocket Aces though he’s holding A/2 off suit. He can still hit his straight, but he’s not holding pocket rockets.

Finally I think NC and Culley believe that if they can lure a couple free agents and hit in the draft that they can get Watson on board and eventually turn on his camp. I think that’s a bold play, but players in the past have became tired of the fighting and business chess game and decide that they just want to play football, business politics be damned.
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
The issue with this power play is the position of the client and the contract. Quarterbacks are the one position that can really move a needle because of the investment cost to the owner and the scarcity of the commodity. Add in that a new extension was recently signed and you have a fight brewing.

At this point, after requesting a trade, leaks to the media, Hopkins comments, Andre’s comments, JJ leaving, and every other drop in the bucket since the initial trade request, there is no way Mulugheta backs down here because the court of public opinion (mostly) is on his and Watson’s side because the Texans aren’t viewed as a well ran organization (they haven’t been). The only way this “smooths” over and Watson stays the Texans quarterback of the current and the future is if Watson has a total change of heart, he sees this holdout as bad for his brand and his life view, and he tells Mulugheta to cool the waters. Agents work for the player, no matter what some agents want to believe. I see this is unlikely but I am holding out hope.

Those unnamed sources (players) suggesting Watson doesn’t care about money and will sit the whole season aren’t privy enough on the new CBA to comment. Many players are the opposite of business savvy and live for the day... if Watson sits the whole year it will hurt his pockets more so than it did LeVeon because the extension has been signed and the new CBA really strengthened the owners’ grip once a contract is in place.

Mulugheta is steadfast but not stupid, and it’s why he’s publicly rebutted that Watson will miss camps or time early this season...he’s not going to risk his client’s paycheck yet.

With that said, there is no reason for either side to make a move until the draft draws closer. Mulugheta risks the court of public opinion swaying if he is too vocal. Texans lose whatever control of the situation they have the moment they agree to anything.

@Texansballer74 you asked where does Watson go from here or what would I advise him to do. This very moment we wait until the draft, because I still think the Texans cave to public pressure because they haven’t proven they will hold tight (Cal more so than NC). If Texans do not cave and this moves into training camp and OTAs, Watson reports and is limited to the media. All questions regarding trades will be directed to Texans brass, all questions regarding any other business detail directed to me the agent or the proper support channel.

We do whatever we have to do to ensure the season tolls, and we keep the pressure on Houston to move Watson.

I adhere to the principle that you do not take money out of your client’s pockets unless it is contracted to you. If the player is so steadfast that he is willing to lose millions to be happy, I will consult with them and also bring in a financial advisor to reevaluate our 1-3-5-10 year plans and see how this affects the long game for my client’s financials (football money isn’t his only money). If the player remains steadfast in his decision (LeVeon) then he can sit because that’s his prerogative, I work for him, not the other way around.

As @76Texan has stated, the scorched earth method may make everyone here feel better, but it’s not good business for any party involved and the Texans aren't going to fine Watson for conduct detrimental multiple times to block his contract. Eventually if Watson doesn’t have a change of heart a trade will be consummated, but NC is doing his best to play Pocket Aces though he’s holding A/2 off suit. He can still hit his straight, but he’s not holding pocket rockets.

Finally I think NC and Culley believe that if they can lure a couple free agents and hit in the draft that they can get Watson on board and eventually turn on his camp. I think that’s a bold play, but players in the past have became tired of the fighting and business chess game and decide that they just want to play football, business politics be damned.
Excellent take.
 

Dejaview

All Pro
Same 3rd of the year even. Was the ink even fully dry?
Lol or were his words still ringing when he signed the contract where HE stated, paraphrasing, that more than the amazing amount of money the contract offered was the fact that the organization TRUSTED him to be their guy. Pathetic. Well sit this year out DW and watch that four year 160 mil contract become a four year 120 mil contract.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
The issue with this power play is the position of the client and the contract. Quarterbacks are the one position that can really move a needle because of the investment cost to the owner and the scarcity of the commodity. Add in that a new extension was recently signed and you have a fight brewing.

At this point, after requesting a trade, leaks to the media, Hopkins comments, Andre’s comments, JJ leaving, and every other drop in the bucket since the initial trade request, there is no way Mulugheta backs down here because the court of public opinion (mostly) is on his and Watson’s side because the Texans aren’t viewed as a well ran organization (they haven’t been). The only way this “smooths” over and Watson stays the Texans quarterback of the current and the future is if Watson has a total change of heart, he sees this holdout as bad for his brand and his life view, and he tells Mulugheta to cool the waters. Agents work for the player, no matter what some agents want to believe. I see this is unlikely but I am holding out hope.

Those unnamed sources (players) suggesting Watson doesn’t care about money and will sit the whole season aren’t privy enough on the new CBA to comment. Many players are the opposite of business savvy and live for the day... if Watson sits the whole year it will hurt his pockets more so than it did LeVeon because the extension has been signed and the new CBA really strengthened the owners’ grip once a contract is in place.

Mulugheta is steadfast but not stupid, and it’s why he’s publicly rebutted that Watson will miss camps or time early this season...he’s not going to risk his client’s paycheck yet.

With that said, there is no reason for either side to make a move until the draft draws closer. Mulugheta risks the court of public opinion swaying if he is too vocal. Texans lose whatever control of the situation they have the moment they agree to anything.

@Texansballer74 you asked where does Watson go from here or what would I advise him to do. This very moment we wait until the draft, because I still think the Texans cave to public pressure because they haven’t proven they will hold tight (Cal more so than NC). If Texans do not cave and this moves into training camp and OTAs, Watson reports and is limited to the media. All questions regarding trades will be directed to Texans brass, all questions regarding any other business detail directed to me the agent or the proper support channel.

We do whatever we have to do to ensure the season tolls, and we keep the pressure on Houston to move Watson.

I adhere to the principle that you do not take money out of your client’s pockets unless it is contracted to you. If the player is so steadfast that he is willing to lose millions to be happy, I will consult with them and also bring in a financial advisor to reevaluate our 1-3-5-10 year plans and see how this affects the long game for my client’s financials (football money isn’t his only money). If the player remains steadfast in his decision (LeVeon) then he can sit because that’s his prerogative, I work for him, not the other way around.

As @76Texan has stated, the scorched earth method may make everyone here feel better, but it’s not good business for any party involved and the Texans aren't going to fine Watson for conduct detrimental multiple times to block his contract. Eventually if Watson doesn’t have a change of heart a trade will be consummated, but NC is doing his best to play Pocket Aces though he’s holding A/2 off suit. He can still hit his straight, but he’s not holding pocket rockets.

Finally I think NC and Culley believe that if they can lure a couple free agents and hit in the draft that they can get Watson on board and eventually turn on his camp. I think that’s a bold play, but players in the past have became tired of the fighting and business chess game and decide that they just want to play football, business politics be damned.
Thank you very much. Good stuff
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
The issue with this power play is the position of the client and the contract. Quarterbacks are the one position that can really move a needle because of the investment cost to the owner and the scarcity of the commodity. Add in that a new extension was recently signed and you have a fight brewing.

At this point, after requesting a trade, leaks to the media, Hopkins comments, Andre’s comments, JJ leaving, and every other drop in the bucket since the initial trade request, there is no way Mulugheta backs down here because the court of public opinion (mostly) is on his and Watson’s side because the Texans aren’t viewed as a well ran organization (they haven’t been). The only way this “smooths” over and Watson stays the Texans quarterback of the current and the future is if Watson has a total change of heart, he sees this holdout as bad for his brand and his life view, and he tells Mulugheta to cool the waters. Agents work for the player, no matter what some agents want to believe. I see this is unlikely but I am holding out hope.

Those unnamed sources (players) suggesting Watson doesn’t care about money and will sit the whole season aren’t privy enough on the new CBA to comment. Many players are the opposite of business savvy and live for the day... if Watson sits the whole year it will hurt his pockets more so than it did LeVeon because the extension has been signed and the new CBA really strengthened the owners’ grip once a contract is in place.

Mulugheta is steadfast but not stupid, and it’s why he’s publicly rebutted that Watson will miss camps or time early this season...he’s not going to risk his client’s paycheck yet.

With that said, there is no reason for either side to make a move until the draft draws closer. Mulugheta risks the court of public opinion swaying if he is too vocal. Texans lose whatever control of the situation they have the moment they agree to anything.

@Texansballer74 you asked where does Watson go from here or what would I advise him to do. This very moment we wait until the draft, because I still think the Texans cave to public pressure because they haven’t proven they will hold tight (Cal more so than NC). If Texans do not cave and this moves into training camp and OTAs, Watson reports and is limited to the media. All questions regarding trades will be directed to Texans brass, all questions regarding any other business detail directed to me the agent or the proper support channel.

We do whatever we have to do to ensure the season tolls, and we keep the pressure on Houston to move Watson.

I adhere to the principle that you do not take money out of your client’s pockets unless it is contracted to you. If the player is so steadfast that he is willing to lose millions to be happy, I will consult with them and also bring in a financial advisor to reevaluate our 1-3-5-10 year plans and see how this affects the long game for my client’s financials (football money isn’t his only money). If the player remains steadfast in his decision (LeVeon) then he can sit because that’s his prerogative, I work for him, not the other way around.

As @76Texan has stated, the scorched earth method may make everyone here feel better, but it’s not good business for any party involved and the Texans aren't going to fine Watson for conduct detrimental multiple times to block his contract. Eventually if Watson doesn’t have a change of heart a trade will be consummated, but NC is doing his best to play Pocket Aces though he’s holding A/2 off suit. He can still hit his straight, but he’s not holding pocket rockets.

Finally I think NC and Culley believe that if they can lure a couple free agents and hit in the draft that they can get Watson on board and eventually turn on his camp. I think that’s a bold play, but players in the past have became tired of the fighting and business chess game and decide that they just want to play football, business politics be damned.
This is great stuff and if you don't mind me picking your brain a bit more.

Say Caserio says to you "The only way we move your client is if he waves the NTC and allows us to get the best deal we possibly can from whatever team has the capital. Your client is a top 5 QB that we have already invested a significant amount of money in his signing bonus and we will not be able to get that money back.

Our hands are completely tied because the value of a franchise QB in his prime almost can't be measured but not only do we have to do so but we have to do so with limited options.

The Texans are going to be hurt any way this ends unless DeShaun suits up so the best we can do is soften the blow yet he seems to want to make the blow as hard as possible. So until he works with us and allows us room to try and at least get in the ballpark of value for him we can't possibly entertain the idea of trading him
."

I understand that an agent works first and foremost for their client but wouldn't part of that also being trying to take the emotional factor out of it and explaining why a move hasn't and in some ways can't be done?
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I had been taking the stance against Watson, but after seeing the other side argue.... Id like to say I have been far to hard on this Texans organization and Watson.

I thought this entire team was a dumpster fire, but clearly we are only a QB away from being competitive in 2021.

Im looking forward to preseason now.

I hope we trade Watson for a 4th round pick and we get the best available QB and let them train him up before game one.

We dont need the distraction. Lets do this!.:wild:


:texan:
I also tend to get sarcastic in the early morning...
.......you're wrong. We need a QB and a strong RD3 pick to be relevant for the 2021 NFL season.
 

KA4Texan

Woof!
Contributor's Club
.......you're wrong. We need a QB and a strong RD3 pick to be relevant for the 2021 NFL season.
No, see thats where you're wrong.

See we are in month 3 of an 8 month rebuild. Its all coming together.

You will see that Cal is playing 8D chess with the entire NFL. He wants everyone to believe he is baby Huey, but underneath, he is a shrewd strategist, a true genius disciplined in the art of war.
 

JWLCASPER

Waterboy
This is great stuff and if you don't mind me picking your brain a bit more.

Say Caserio says to you "The only way we move your client is if he waves the NTC and allows us to get the best deal we possibly can from whatever team has the capital. Your client is a top 5 QB that we have already invested a significant amount of money in his signing bonus and we will not be able to get that money back.

Our hands are completely tied because the value of a franchise QB in his prime almost can't be measured but not only do we have to do so but we have to do so with limited options.

The Texans are going to be hurt any way this ends unless DeShaun suits up so the best we can do is soften the blow yet he seems to want to make the blow as hard as possible. So until he works with us and allows us room to try and at least get in the ballpark of value for him we can't possibly entertain the idea of trading him
."

I understand that an agent works first and foremost for their client but wouldn't part of that also being trying to take the emotional factor out of it and explaining why a move hasn't and in some ways can't be done?
"Nick, I appreciate you finally contacting me regarding my client's request. This discussion is overdue, but I understand that there are multiple moving parts to this situation and I am hoping we can solve this for the best of all parties involved. You know that I am not here to tell you how to run your franchise, I am simply asking that the franchise move on from my client because that is his wishes. Without rehashing all of those feelings that got us here, I do want to state that we have no intention of waiving our NTC. Though you, yourself, did not grant that clause to Deshaun, the Texans organization did. Deshaun is one of 8 talents in the NFL that contains that clause in his contract because he is one of 8 talents in the NFL that their organization felt deserved that distinction within his contract. We consider the NTC more of a protective function within the contract should a team or city that Deshaun has no intention of playing for reach out regarding his services. We by no means want to make this more difficult than it has to be, and by all means, please communicate with any team that you wish regarding fair compensation for your franchise in return for the services of Deshaun. Please keep me notified if you find a suitable trade partner and I will communicate with Deshaun to see if that destination fits within his life plan for the next 5 years of his professional career.

Again, Nick, Deshaun is not purposefully trying to make this any easier or harder for the Texans. He and I are working with you by continuing to leave a channel of communication open when the discussion pertains to our trade request. We have not instructed you of teams to contact, nor have we instructed those teams to contact you. We simply would like you to honor Deshaun's professional request to continue his career with another organization. Thank you for getting back to me with updates and I look forward to all parties moving forward successfully in the future. Have a good and prosperous week Nick. Talk to you soon."


----

For me, Mulugheta really doesn't have to do anything at this point. Public perception is framed both nationally and locally for the Texans. Deshaun is not Ramsey nor Leveon. His persona is squeaky clean to the mass audience. Standard fans do not care that he dated a certain female sex actress, or that he is dating an aspiring model. Deshaun was the homeless kid who went to Warrick Dunn's camp, won championships at every level, bought his mama a new home. He didn't steal crab legs. He didn't punch his girlfriend. He devotes time to the community. He doesn't rock the boat in any way besides being a phenomenal football talent. The only reason that the situation is at this point is because the Texans are in a state that is currently unfixable and he wants no part of whatever solution they are selling. The only way the Texans win this scenario is that

A. Something happens that changes Deshaun's view of the organization. A draft day trade not involving him. A statement by Cal McNair that hasn't been made yet, either publicly or privately. Whatever it is, Deshaun has to change his mind regarding the future of the Texans. This would put the pressure back onto Mulugheta. I do not see this as actionable this offseason honestly. I am hopeful for this option though.

B. The Texans trade for one of 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 etc. and hit on a franchise quarterback on a rookie scale deal. Surround him with talent over the next 2-4 years and make a play for the title in year 4/5/6(extension) of his contract. As hard as it is to hit on a franchise quarterback, I do not see this as actionable simply because the odds are against Houston.

C. The Texans trade for a multitude of picks that do not contain a top 5 pick, one or two young players on rookie scale deals, and punt the quarterback decision for 1-3 years. Revisit the QB discussion in one of the next 3 years when the Texans inevitably pick in the top 5, this time with their own pick still in their control. This pushes the window further down the road, but a Tennessee situation may play out where we build a solid foundation in the next 3 years, sign a quarterback (Winston for example---just a name with talent that hasn't been tapped by another organization) and we shock Mahomes/Allen/Mayfield/Watson if he's in the AFC, with a well rounded roster instead of a top heavy roster that overpays its QB1.

Any other scenario, which is far more likely, means the Texans lost this battle. The only way the Texans lose the war is if they never compete for a championship ever again. The logos and the league will still be here when Watson is gone, so I give a nod to the Texans that they will win a Super Bowl before the world explodes. Maybe I am an optimist though.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
"Nick, I appreciate you finally contacting me regarding my client's request. This discussion is overdue, but I understand that there are multiple moving parts to this situation and I am hoping we can solve this for the best of all parties involved. You know that I am not here to tell you how to run your franchise, I am simply asking that the franchise move on from my client because that is his wishes. Without rehashing all of those feelings that got us here, I do want to state that we have no intention of waiving our NTC. Though you, yourself, did not grant that clause to Deshaun, the Texans organization did. Deshaun is one of 8 talents in the NFL that contains that clause in his contract because he is one of 8 talents in the NFL that their organization felt deserved that distinction within his contract. We consider the NTC more of a protective function within the contract should a team or city that Deshaun has no intention of playing for reach out regarding his services. We by no means want to make this more difficult than it has to be, and by all means, please communicate with any team that you wish regarding fair compensation for your franchise in return for the services of Deshaun. Please keep me notified if you find a suitable trade partner and I will communicate with Deshaun to see if that destination fits within his life plan for the next 5 years of his professional career.

Again, Nick, Deshaun is not purposefully trying to make this any easier or harder for the Texans. He and I are working with you by continuing to leave a channel of communication open when the discussion pertains to our trade request. We have not instructed you of teams to contact, nor have we instructed those teams to contact you. We simply would like you to honor Deshaun's professional request to continue his career with another organization. Thank you for getting back to me with updates and I look forward to all parties moving forward successfully in the future. Have a good and prosperous week Nick. Talk to you soon."


----

For me, Mulugheta really doesn't have to do anything at this point. Public perception is framed both nationally and locally for the Texans. Deshaun is not Ramsey nor Leveon. His persona is squeaky clean to the mass audience. Standard fans do not care that he dated a certain female sex actress, or that he is dating an aspiring model. Deshaun was the homeless kid who went to Warrick Dunn's camp, won championships at every level, bought his mama a new home. He didn't steal crab legs. He didn't punch his girlfriend. He devotes time to the community. He doesn't rock the boat in any way besides being a phenomenal football talent. The only reason that the situation is at this point is because the Texans are in a state that is currently unfixable and he wants no part of whatever solution they are selling. The only way the Texans win this scenario is that

A. Something happens that changes Deshaun's view of the organization. A draft day trade not involving him. A statement by Cal McNair that hasn't been made yet, either publicly or privately. Whatever it is, Deshaun has to change his mind regarding the future of the Texans. This would put the pressure back onto Mulugheta. I do not see this as actionable this offseason honestly. I am hopeful for this option though.

B. The Texans trade for one of 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 etc. and hit on a franchise quarterback on a rookie scale deal. Surround him with talent over the next 2-4 years and make a play for the title in year 4/5/6(extension) of his contract. As hard as it is to hit on a franchise quarterback, I do not see this as actionable simply because the odds are against Houston.

C. The Texans trade for a multitude of picks that do not contain a top 5 pick, one or two young players on rookie scale deals, and punt the quarterback decision for 1-3 years. Revisit the QB discussion in one of the next 3 years when the Texans inevitably pick in the top 5, this time with their own pick still in their control. This pushes the window further down the road, but a Tennessee situation may play out where we build a solid foundation in the next 3 years, sign a quarterback (Winston for example---just a name with talent that hasn't been tapped by another organization) and we shock Mahomes/Allen/Mayfield/Watson if he's in the AFC, with a well rounded roster instead of a top heavy roster that overpays its QB1.

Any other scenario, which is far more likely, means the Texans lost this battle. The only way the Texans lose the war is if they never compete for a championship ever again. The logos and the league will still be here when Watson is gone, so I give a nod to the Texans that they will win a Super Bowl before the world explodes. Maybe I am an optimist though.
Hear that silent cranking of NC's middle finger being slowly raised?
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
"Nick, I appreciate you finally contacting me regarding my client's request. This discussion is overdue, but I understand that there are multiple moving parts to this situation and I am hoping we can solve this for the best of all parties involved. You know that I am not here to tell you how to run your franchise, I am simply asking that the franchise move on from my client because that is his wishes. Without rehashing all of those feelings that got us here, I do want to state that we have no intention of waiving our NTC. Though you, yourself, did not grant that clause to Deshaun, the Texans organization did. Deshaun is one of 8 talents in the NFL that contains that clause in his contract because he is one of 8 talents in the NFL that their organization felt deserved that distinction within his contract. We consider the NTC more of a protective function within the contract should a team or city that Deshaun has no intention of playing for reach out regarding his services. We by no means want to make this more difficult than it has to be, and by all means, please communicate with any team that you wish regarding fair compensation for your franchise in return for the services of Deshaun. Please keep me notified if you find a suitable trade partner and I will communicate with Deshaun to see if that destination fits within his life plan for the next 5 years of his professional career.

Again, Nick, Deshaun is not purposefully trying to make this any easier or harder for the Texans. He and I are working with you by continuing to leave a channel of communication open when the discussion pertains to our trade request. We have not instructed you of teams to contact, nor have we instructed those teams to contact you. We simply would like you to honor Deshaun's professional request to continue his career with another organization. Thank you for getting back to me with updates and I look forward to all parties moving forward successfully in the future. Have a good and prosperous week Nick. Talk to you soon."


----

For me, Mulugheta really doesn't have to do anything at this point. Public perception is framed both nationally and locally for the Texans. Deshaun is not Ramsey nor Leveon. His persona is squeaky clean to the mass audience. Standard fans do not care that he dated a certain female sex actress, or that he is dating an aspiring model. Deshaun was the homeless kid who went to Warrick Dunn's camp, won championships at every level, bought his mama a new home. He didn't steal crab legs. He didn't punch his girlfriend. He devotes time to the community. He doesn't rock the boat in any way besides being a phenomenal football talent. The only reason that the situation is at this point is because the Texans are in a state that is currently unfixable and he wants no part of whatever solution they are selling. The only way the Texans win this scenario is that

A. Something happens that changes Deshaun's view of the organization. A draft day trade not involving him. A statement by Cal McNair that hasn't been made yet, either publicly or privately. Whatever it is, Deshaun has to change his mind regarding the future of the Texans. This would put the pressure back onto Mulugheta. I do not see this as actionable this offseason honestly. I am hopeful for this option though.

B. The Texans trade for one of 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 etc. and hit on a franchise quarterback on a rookie scale deal. Surround him with talent over the next 2-4 years and make a play for the title in year 4/5/6(extension) of his contract. As hard as it is to hit on a franchise quarterback, I do not see this as actionable simply because the odds are against Houston.

C. The Texans trade for a multitude of picks that do not contain a top 5 pick, one or two young players on rookie scale deals, and punt the quarterback decision for 1-3 years. Revisit the QB discussion in one of the next 3 years when the Texans inevitably pick in the top 5, this time with their own pick still in their control. This pushes the window further down the road, but a Tennessee situation may play out where we build a solid foundation in the next 3 years, sign a quarterback (Winston for example---just a name with talent that hasn't been tapped by another organization) and we shock Mahomes/Allen/Mayfield/Watson if he's in the AFC, with a well rounded roster instead of a top heavy roster that overpays its QB1.

Any other scenario, which is far more likely, means the Texans lost this battle. The only way the Texans lose the war is if they never compete for a championship ever again. The logos and the league will still be here when Watson is gone, so I give a nod to the Texans that they will win a Super Bowl before the world explodes. Maybe I am an optimist though.
Now how would this affect the NFL going forward? That’s if Watson and Co are successful in forcing a trade right after he just signed a mega contract. Will these owners have a meeting and set a new set of rules that will prevent players from pulling this type of tactic?
 

JWLCASPER

Waterboy
Now how would this affect the NFL going forward? That’s if Watson and Co are successful in forcing a trade right after he just signed a mega contract. Will these owners have a meeting and set a new set of rules that will prevent players from pulling this type of tactic?
The short response, I am sure some safe guards will be discussed. What those are, I am not really sure what can be done because the league has to be aware of Antitrust law and cannot restrict the movement of players too much without risking lawsuits pushing the anticompetitive practices motif again.

 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
"Nick, I appreciate you finally contacting me regarding my client's request. This discussion is overdue, but I understand that there are multiple moving parts to this situation and I am hoping we can solve this for the best of all parties involved. You know that I am not here to tell you how to run your franchise, I am simply asking that the franchise move on from my client because that is his wishes. Without rehashing all of those feelings that got us here, I do want to state that we have no intention of waiving our NTC. Though you, yourself, did not grant that clause to Deshaun, the Texans organization did. Deshaun is one of 8 talents in the NFL that contains that clause in his contract because he is one of 8 talents in the NFL that their organization felt deserved that distinction within his contract. We consider the NTC more of a protective function within the contract should a team or city that Deshaun has no intention of playing for reach out regarding his services. We by no means want to make this more difficult than it has to be, and by all means, please communicate with any team that you wish regarding fair compensation for your franchise in return for the services of Deshaun. Please keep me notified if you find a suitable trade partner and I will communicate with Deshaun to see if that destination fits within his life plan for the next 5 years of his professional career.

Again, Nick, Deshaun is not purposefully trying to make this any easier or harder for the Texans. He and I are working with you by continuing to leave a channel of communication open when the discussion pertains to our trade request. We have not instructed you of teams to contact, nor have we instructed those teams to contact you. We simply would like you to honor Deshaun's professional request to continue his career with another organization. Thank you for getting back to me with updates and I look forward to all parties moving forward successfully in the future. Have a good and prosperous week Nick. Talk to you soon."


----

For me, Mulugheta really doesn't have to do anything at this point. Public perception is framed both nationally and locally for the Texans. Deshaun is not Ramsey nor Leveon. His persona is squeaky clean to the mass audience. Standard fans do not care that he dated a certain female sex actress, or that he is dating an aspiring model. Deshaun was the homeless kid who went to Warrick Dunn's camp, won championships at every level, bought his mama a new home. He didn't steal crab legs. He didn't punch his girlfriend. He devotes time to the community. He doesn't rock the boat in any way besides being a phenomenal football talent. The only reason that the situation is at this point is because the Texans are in a state that is currently unfixable and he wants no part of whatever solution they are selling. The only way the Texans win this scenario is that

A. Something happens that changes Deshaun's view of the organization. A draft day trade not involving him. A statement by Cal McNair that hasn't been made yet, either publicly or privately. Whatever it is, Deshaun has to change his mind regarding the future of the Texans. This would put the pressure back onto Mulugheta. I do not see this as actionable this offseason honestly. I am hopeful for this option though.

B. The Texans trade for one of 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 etc. and hit on a franchise quarterback on a rookie scale deal. Surround him with talent over the next 2-4 years and make a play for the title in year 4/5/6(extension) of his contract. As hard as it is to hit on a franchise quarterback, I do not see this as actionable simply because the odds are against Houston.

C. The Texans trade for a multitude of picks that do not contain a top 5 pick, one or two young players on rookie scale deals, and punt the quarterback decision for 1-3 years. Revisit the QB discussion in one of the next 3 years when the Texans inevitably pick in the top 5, this time with their own pick still in their control. This pushes the window further down the road, but a Tennessee situation may play out where we build a solid foundation in the next 3 years, sign a quarterback (Winston for example---just a name with talent that hasn't been tapped by another organization) and we shock Mahomes/Allen/Mayfield/Watson if he's in the AFC, with a well rounded roster instead of a top heavy roster that overpays its QB1.

Any other scenario, which is far more likely, means the Texans lost this battle. The only way the Texans lose the war is if they never compete for a championship ever again. The logos and the league will still be here when Watson is gone, so I give a nod to the Texans that they will win a Super Bowl before the world explodes. Maybe I am an optimist though.
I would reply to you. JWL I respect and appreciate your candidness. We would really like to smooth things over and keep DW4 here for the next decade. However if he really wants to be traded I want you to start shopping around for a deal that looks something like this.

Any team like the NYJ/Miami I want a 2021 1st/2nd, a 2022 1st, 2022 1st and an upper tier starter. (Quinnen Williams NYJ, Xavien Howard MIA. type starter)


Any team picking outside the top 5,( Carolina/Washington/San Fran/Chicago/Denver etc..) I want Carolina/Washington/San Fran/Denver, three 1sts for the next 3 yrs and a 2021 2nd. Plus two upper tier starter level players. Guys like Burns/Chinn from Carolina.

If you can find a deal like this then give me a call and I will consider it. BTW, Otherwise DW4 will remain a Texans. BTW, if he remains a Texan let DW4 know that he really needs to curtail his tweets because the season he tries to accrue by playing the last 6 games wont be happening due to my suspending DW4 due to the conduct detrimental to the team clause in his contract.

Best regards Nick.
 

Norg

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Well if he really wants to leave town why would he X any trade ..??? if he does then o well i guess he is a texan for this year and we can do it all over again next year simple has that
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
If Watson signs off on a trade to the Jets is all you need to know. Solely for his brand and not winning. No way does he think Woody Johnson will be better to deal with over Cal imo.
I don't know much about Woody as an NFL owner, but he did endorse Jeff Bush (I'm an independent, slightly leaning Republican on certain issues).
And at least Johnson & Johnson states that they are not going to profit from the Covid vaccine.
 
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76Texan

Hall of Fame
If Watson signs off on a trade to the Jets is all you need to know. Solely for his brand and not winning. No way does he think Woody Johnson will be better to deal with over Cal imo.
All I know is that the Jets did much better under Woody (2000-2015) then under his brother the last 5 years.
And now they have a promising HC in Saleh (sp?).

Also, they never had a real QB.
Even Favre was bad in that one year where he throws as many Ints as TDs (22).
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
And from what I read so far, Woody seems to be a hand-off owner much more so than his brother Christopher.
Especially now, he has the HC reporting to the GM, and the GM to him.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
And from what I read so far, Woody seems to be a hand-off owner much more so than his brother Christopher.
Especially now, he has the HC reporting to the GM, and the GM to him.
I’m thinking that he will want to make an “I’m back” statement which is the main reason I can see the Jets offering the kings ransom. Otherwise from a long term point of view keeping the picks and drafting Wilson makes more sense.
 

Texansphan

Football connoisseur
One notion I have noticed is that Texans should honour Watson's request as it happens all the time with JJ being the latest example.
I have a couple of problems with this.
1. You don't see it happen with franchise QB's too often. They are far too valuable.
2. JJ has earned his stripes and his contract was up. Watson just signed up for a huge contract despite the apparent dysfunction in this organisation.
He wants to pout, then all I can say is grow up.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
One notion I have noticed is that Texans should honour Watson's request as it happens all the time with JJ being the latest example.
I have a couple of problems with this.
1. You don't see it happen with franchise QB's too often. They are far too valuable.
2. JJ has earned his stripes and his contract was up. Watson just signed up for a huge contract despite the apparent dysfunction in this organisation.
He wants to pout, then all I can say is grow up.
Other thing people forget is letting Watt go was if not the best move for the Texans then a close second because it basically ended their cap issue by itself. It was good for Watt yes but it was also good for Texans. Right now nothing involving Watson would be good for the Texans except him suiting up. The trade, him sitting and suspending him are just different levels of damaging.
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
Other thing people forget is letting Watt go was if not the best move for the Texans then a close second because it basically ended their cap issue by itself. It was good for Watt yes but it was also good for Texans. Right now nothing involving Watson would be good for the Texans except him suiting up. The trade, him sitting and suspending him are just different levels of damaging.
Nah, I like the idea of having 17-18 picks in the first 3 rounds in the next 3 years.
If your GM is above mediocre, you're looking at 8-10 solid to very good starters; if you're lucky you'll get 2-3-4 top 100 players.
If your GM can also find a few players in the late rounds, you'll have a very competitive team, especially if you just take the hit and dump more salaries.

In year 3, the team can be half-way competitive if Culley proves to be a decent hire and the OC (whoever that maybe) worths a little more than half a lick.

Maybe it's time for the Texans to get lucky with these coaching hires for a change.
 

JWLCASPER

Waterboy
Hear that silent cranking of NC's middle finger being slowly raised?
"Dave... we are on the same page. We intend to honor your client's NTC. Looking forward to working with him in the spring."

Is there anything in the contract stating the Texans should trade Deshaun if he "demands" a trade?
I would reply to you. JWL I respect and appreciate your candidness. We would really like to smooth things over and keep DW4 here for the next decade. However if he really wants to be traded I want you to start shopping around for a deal that looks something like this.

Any team like the NYJ/Miami I want a 2021 1st/2nd, a 2022 1st, 2022 1st and an upper tier starter. (Quinnen Williams NYJ, Xavien Howard MIA. type starter)


Any team picking outside the top 5,( Carolina/Washington/San Fran/Chicago/Denver etc..) I want Carolina/Washington/San Fran/Denver, three 1sts for the next 3 yrs and a 2021 2nd. Plus two upper tier starter level players. Guys like Burns/Chinn from Carolina.

If you can find a deal like this then give me a call and I will consider it. BTW, Otherwise DW4 will remain a Texans. BTW, if he remains a Texan let DW4 know that he really needs to curtail his tweets because the season he tries to accrue by playing the last 6 games wont be happening due to my suspending DW4 due to the conduct detrimental to the team clause in his contract.

Best regards Nick.
This is a really tough situation for me to sort through because my affiliations are split.

I have been a Texans fan since 2002, and my father was an Oilers fan before that. I was born in Houston. As a Houstonion and as a Texans fan, I absolutely cannot stand this has happened with my franchise and my quarterback.

With that said, I tend to have a heavy lean towards players in any business/contract/CBA dispute with owners. I know most individuals hate the millionaire vs billionaire disputes, because most of the world has more problems than just how many zeros to add, but that’s just the nature of the sports and entertainment business.

For those that say he shouldn’t have signed the extension if he wanted out, I say that if he got a career ending injury last year playing for whatever it was Houston was playing for, his agent and Deshaun would have failed the business side of the equation.

For those that say players need to honor their contract - owners renegotiate or restructure deals all the time or threaten to cut a player if they do not. David Johnson here. Rudolph in Minnesota recently just to name two. If owners can alter the contract terms on the fly, players can too. Players are the commodity. The league gives the players the platform, but the platform is what it is because of the players. We don’t cheer for Cal, that’s for damn sure.

@badboy that’s hysterical, and likely what Nick would do as soon as he hangs up. Watson’s side is best to play this cool and calm, because angry business is bad business. Mulugheta has already lit the match now, no use to keep throwing flames. Just let the slow burn continue.

@steelbtexan Mulugheta would immediately respond that he works for Deshaun and not Houston. Cal does not pay him directly. Deshaun does. He is not concerned with the return Houston gets. As someone noted in another thread and I forget who, NC will not put another individual in charge of Houston’s return, period. Can Mulugheta help facilitate conversations...maybe. But with Deshaun under contract with Houston, you have to be aware of tampering rules. And to be honest, no GM is going to trust the player agent to facilitate any trade, much less one of this magnitude. But GMs are going to talk to Nick because Nick is the cardholder. I know the threat of fines/conduct detrimental is there, but I repeat that Houston will not fine Deshaun multiple times to prevent the season from tolling. It would be like taking the Brown situation and adding nitrous to it. Watson will skip voluntary. He will skip OTA and camp. Take his 2-4 million dollar fine. Keep the pressure on Houston to have someone ready to go week 1 that isn’t named Watson (how many quarterbacks do we have currently? 1 Watson). Right now Watson isn’t concerned with his 2021 P5 salary (base) because it’s only roughly 10.5 million. His game checks are 650,000 each. He’s playing with house money this year because the signing bonus was his big money intake. As long as he does the minimum to hold his signing bonus, his larger P5 base salary doesn’t hit until 2022, and game checks will be more important then.

@thunderkyss
There is no clause that says Deshaun must be traded. But, as much as we all do not want to acknowledge this, holding Deshaun hostage is not good business period. It’s not good optics. It’s not a good team building strategy, I don’t care if Deshaun is the next Brady. Disgruntled players taint the juice. Duane Brown’s situation still resonates here. Andre Johnson’s situation still resonates here. Hopkins situation still resonates here. This Watson situation will resonate in Houston for at least 3 years. Probably 5-7. Maybe longer. The young guys in the locker room pay attention to their leaders. If the players and coaches and front office are not aligned, young guys know right away. If you want me to be honest, the Texans have not been the same since the Duane Brown fiasco. It was a bad business situation that was compounded by timing and slip of the tongue statements. Duane Brown was a tenured, respected leader in Houston. He and the Texans burnt down that support beam during his situation while young stars (Clowney, Watson, Hopkins) took note. They never forgot it. And I promise you it is still discussed today.

Again, with all this said, I want something, anything to happen that gets Watson back on board with the Texans, because finding a QB of his caliber is not just difficult, it may be one of the hardest scouting asks in sports. But once I know that won’t happen, as NC or as Watson, for both parties to truly prosper, we need to go separate ways. If not, this ordeal can spin out for another decade and taint future young men from believing the Houston Texans can win a title. As much as I enjoy watching Deshaun Watson, I want to see a Houston title before I die.

And to be honest with most of you here, either side of the Watson discussion, we all want the same thing. A Houston Texans Super Bowl celebration.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
This is a really tough situation for me to sort through because my affiliations are split.

I have been a Texans fan since 2002, and my father was an Oilers fan before that. I was born in Houston. As a Houstonion and as a Texans fan, I absolutely cannot stand this has happened with my franchise and my quarterback.

With that said, I tend to have a heavy lean towards players in any business/contract/CBA dispute with owners. I know most individuals hate the millionaire vs billionaire disputes, because most of the world has more problems than just how many zeros to add, but that’s just the nature of the sports and entertainment business.

For those that say he shouldn’t have signed the extension if he wanted out, I say that if he got a career ending injury last year playing for whatever it was Houston was playing for, his agent and Deshaun would have failed the business side of the equation.

For those that say players need to honor their contract - owners renegotiate or restructure deals all the time or threaten to cut a player if they do not. David Johnson here. Rudolph in Minnesota recently just to name two. If owners can alter the contract terms on the fly, players can too. Players are the commodity. The league gives the players the platform, but the platform is what it is because of the players. We don’t cheer for Cal, that’s for damn sure.

@badboy that’s hysterical, and likely what Nick would do as soon as he hangs up. Watson’s side is best to play this cool and calm, because angry business is bad business. Mulugheta has already lit the match now, no use to keep throwing flames. Just let the slow burn continue.

@steelbtexan Mulugheta would immediately respond that he works for Deshaun and not Houston. Cal does not pay him directly. Deshaun does. He is not concerned with the return Houston gets. As someone noted in another thread and I forget who, NC will not put another individual in charge of Houston’s return, period. Can Mulugheta help facilitate conversations...maybe. But with Deshaun under contract with Houston, you have to be aware of tampering rules. And to be honest, no GM is going to trust the player agent to facilitate any trade, much less one of this magnitude. But GMs are going to talk to Nick because Nick is the cardholder. I know the threat of fines/conduct detrimental is there, but I repeat that Houston will not fine Deshaun multiple times to prevent the season from tolling. It would be like taking the Brown situation and adding nitrous to it. Watson will skip voluntary. He will skip OTA and camp. Take his 2-4 million dollar fine. Keep the pressure on Houston to have someone ready to go week 1 that isn’t named Watson (how many quarterbacks do we have currently? 1 Watson). Right now Watson isn’t concerned with his 2021 P5 salary (base) because it’s only roughly 10.5 million. His game checks are 650,000 each. He’s playing with house money this year because the signing bonus was his big money intake. As long as he does the minimum to hold his signing bonus, his larger P5 base salary doesn’t hit until 2022, and game checks will be more important then.

@thunderkyss
There is no clause that says Deshaun must be traded. But, as much as we all do not want to acknowledge this, holding Deshaun hostage is not good business period. It’s not good optics. It’s not a good team building strategy, I don’t care if Deshaun is the next Brady. Disgruntled players taint the juice. Duane Brown’s situation still resonates here. Andre Johnson’s situation still resonates here. Hopkins situation still resonates here. This Watson situation will resonate in Houston for at least 3 years. Probably 5-7. Maybe longer. The young guys in the locker room pay attention to their leaders. If the players and coaches and front office are not aligned, young guys know right away. If you want me to be honest, the Texans have not been the same since the Duane Brown fiasco. It was a bad business situation that was compounded by timing and slip of the tongue statements. Duane Brown was a tenured, respected leader in Houston. He and the Texans burnt down that support beam during his situation while young stars (Clowney, Watson, Hopkins) took note. They never forgot it. And I promise you it is still discussed today.

Again, with all this said, I want something, anything to happen that gets Watson back on board with the Texans, because finding a QB of his caliber is not just difficult, it may be one of the hardest scouting asks in sports. But once I know that won’t happen, as NC or as Watson, for both parties to truly prosper, we need to go separate ways. If not, this ordeal can spin out for another decade and taint future young men from believing the Houston Texans can win a title. As much as I enjoy watching Deshaun Watson, I want to see a Houston title before I die.

And to be honest with most of you here, either side of the Watson discussion, we all want the same thing. A Houston Texans Super Bowl celebration.
Thanks for the reply

In this case DW4 stays, doesn't play and I'm picking a new QB in the 2022 draft and revisiting this situation in the 2022 off-season.

As far as the liver room goes, most of those guys will be gone anyway. What players on the team would you keep. Tunsil qho has been taken care of. Howard/Blacklock/Reid/Ohmenihu are the only guys I think will be here in 3 years.
 
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JWLCASPER

Waterboy
Thanks for the reply

In this case DW4 stays, doesn't play and I'm picking a new QB in the 2022 draft and revisiting this situation in the 2022 off-season.

As far as the liver room goes, most of those guys will be gone anyway. What players on the team would you keep. Tunsil qho has been taken care of. Howard/Blacklock/Reid/Ohmenihu are the only guys I think will be here in 3 years.
My assumption was Watt was calling out Blacklock and/or Omenihu for dogging it. I could be wrong, but that’s his position group. Just a hunch. Reid has been cryptically liking everything Watson does. Howard is Watson’s big little yes man. He loves him some Watson. All 4, if I am right, if extended, can perpetuate the bad blood if it’s not handled appropriately. Tunsil and his camp are not afraid to rock the boat either. He didn’t want to come to Houston initially, showed frustration when it happened, is negotiating his own deals (with some outside assistance without the usual professional agent buffer), and is known to be fairly close to Watson. I do not see him as a building block sadly unless Watson stays.

Without writing another novel, if the Texans do not do this right, the angst and mistrust can cling tight through regime changes.

Without hijacking this thread too much, it’s also why so many “loved” maintenance and crew were relieved of their duty. Their loyalty was with the old regime players, not with the current flow of the new front office. You want to know where some of Houston’s smaller leaks come from...that’s my assumption.
Appreciate the back and forth gentlemen. Always a good time discussing football, even our bumbling Texans organization.
 
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thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
@thunderkyss
There is no clause that says Deshaun must be traded. But, as much as we all do not want to acknowledge this, holding Deshaun hostage is not good business period. It’s not good optics. It’s not a good team building strategy, I don’t care if Deshaun is the next Brady. Disgruntled players taint the juice. Duane Brown’s situation still resonates here. Andre Johnson’s situation still resonates here. Hopkins situation still resonates here. This Watson situation will resonate in Houston for at least 3 years. Probably 5-7. Maybe longer. The young guys in the locker room pay attention to their leaders. If the players and coaches and front office are not aligned, young guys know right away. If you want me to be honest, the Texans have not been the same since the Duane Brown fiasco. It was a bad business situation that was compounded by timing and slip of the tongue statements. Duane Brown was a tenured, respected leader in Houston. He and the Texans burnt down that support beam during his situation while young stars (Clowney, Watson, Hopkins) took note. They never forgot it. And I promise you it is still discussed today
I agree if Watson doesn’t want to be here, I don’t want Watson here. That said the NTC is a craw in my side. If he wants out he’s got to get rid of it. Then I can be assured I would get the best deal possible.

I’m not going to spend one second entertaining a trade scenario that may not manifest because “the player” doesn’t like the weather or the “market” of the destination team.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
I agree if Watson doesn’t want to be here, I don’t want Watson here. That said the NTC is a craw in my side. If he wants out he’s got to get rid of it. Then I can be assured I would get the best deal possible.

I’m not going to spend one second entertaining a trade scenario that may not manifest because “the player” doesn’t like the weather or the “market” of the destination team.
Thats where I'm at on this. Why should Caserio do all the leg work of wheeling and dealing with a team, get an offer on the table just to have Watson turn around and say "That doesn't work for me." I haven't read it myself but from what others on here are saying Watson is also not wanting the team he goes to to have to pay much to get him because he wants them to be a championship team.

@JWLCASPER I get what you are saying about bad blood and locker room problems but how are the Texans suppose to work out any kind of a deal if Watson is being completely unrealistic in what he wants. Thing about those other guys is most haven't gotten paid yet and if needed Tunsil could be cut after next year with only a 6 million cap hit and a cap saving of 14 million. When it comes down to it do you really think they will chose Watson over their own pocketbooks? I don't.
 

Double Barrel

Texans Talk Admin
Staff member
Contributor's Club
For those that say players need to honor their contract - owners renegotiate or restructure deals all the time or threaten to cut a player if they do not. David Johnson here. Rudolph in Minnesota recently just to name two. If owners can alter the contract terms on the fly, players can too. Players are the commodity. The league gives the players the platform, but the platform is what it is because of the players. We don’t cheer for Cal, that’s for damn sure.
Thank you for your replies, man. Your insight is great to read and truly something most fans never get a glimpse of seeing. Much appreciation.

I'm just curious about the above statement. Aren't the contracts themselves allowing the owners to make such demands according to the CBA? I mean, for instance, with David Johnson, they could have cut him, but wouldn't they still owe him $2 million & change regardless if he's cut? Owners cannot get out of that part, correct?

In order to renegotiate or restructure deals, don't both sides have to ultimately agree?

So with Watson, the Texans are stuck with that contract - i.e. $110 million guaranteed + NTC - and they cannot renegotiate or restructure that deal without Watson's participation and consent, right? So unless he doesn't play, they will have to pay him that $110 million guaranteed even if he's hurt or plays like crap for the next 5 seasons. It's not like they can get rid of the NTC on a whim. They don't have that power. Watson would have to agree to it.

Can you provide an example of "owners can alter the contract terms on the fly" that are outside of the terms of the contract? If a team cuts a player, isn't that allowed according to the individual contract itself? Because the statement sort of comes across as owners changing the terms whenever they feel like it, but ultimately, aren't they bound by the contract terms, and whatever happens was allowed to begin with according to the CBA?

Apologies if my questions are confusing. I'm just a layman stuck in the logistics industry, and these are questions that popped up in my simple mind as I read your stuff.
 

JWLCASPER

Waterboy
Thank you for your replies, man. Your insight is great to read and truly something most fans never get a glimpse of seeing. Much appreciation.

I'm just curious about the above statement. Aren't the contracts themselves allowing the owners to make such demands according to the CBA? I mean, for instance, with David Johnson, they could have cut him, but wouldn't they still owe him $2 million & change regardless if he's cut? Owners cannot get out of that part, correct?

In order to renegotiate or restructure deals, don't both sides have to ultimately agree?

So with Watson, the Texans are stuck with that contract - i.e. $110 million guaranteed + NTC - and they cannot renegotiate or restructure that deal without Watson's participation and consent, right? So unless he doesn't play, they will have to pay him that $110 million guaranteed even if he's hurt or plays like crap for the next 5 seasons. It's not like they can get rid of the NTC on a whim. They don't have that power. Watson would have to agree to it.

Can you provide an example of "owners can alter the contract terms on the fly" that are outside of the terms of the contract? If a team cuts a player, isn't that allowed according to the individual contract itself? Because the statement sort of comes across as owners changing the terms whenever they feel like it, but ultimately, aren't they bound by the contract terms, and whatever happens was allowed to begin with according to the CBA?

Apologies if my questions are confusing. I'm just a layman stuck in the logistics industry, and these are questions that popped up in my simple mind as I read your stuff.
So let me apologize first for kind of letting my words go a little more freely than I would like. Sloppy of me when discussing contracts and the situation. Everything that is done is done within the bounds of the CBA. Likewise, everything that the team does to the player is also in that player's respective contract. Owners have added rules to the game (through Collective Bargaining every 10 years) in which they have bent the NFLPA over backwards (my opinion) with certain player controlling mechanisms. 5th year options. Franchise Tag. Transition Tag. These mechanisms were agreed to by the NFLPA, but that doesn't mean they or the players like it. Additionally, we all know that the NFL does not utilize fully guaranteed contracts, something that NFL players cannot stand. When I was discussing David Johnson and Kyle Rudolph, I was discussing the non-guaranteed portion of their contract, which they agreed to. The owner's and GM have every right to seek a restructure or decrease in pay, just like a player can request a restructure or increase in pay. It would have to be agreed on. The difference - if the owner says no, the player can either play for his agreed upon pay or? Get fined for not showing up - if the player says no, the owner can cut him and pay him nothing more than the initial fully guaranteed portion of his contract. Nature of the business I guess, but my leanings obviously show through this conversation.

That argument can be discussed another day, but for this situation, a few numbers are important. Watson received $27 Million at time of signing in the form of a signing bonus. $73.5 million was also guaranteed at signing. This $73.5 million was the $27.5 million signing bonus, plus Deshaun's 2020 P5(base salary + roster bonus earned for his Pro Bowl which was roughly $2.3 million), his 2021 P5 salary which is $10.5 million, and his 2022 P5 salary, which is $35 million. That means that if Deshaun shows up, the Texans have to pay him $73.5 million period, it is guaranteed for all intents and purposes...if they cut him, they pay out the remaining balance of that. It is guaranteed for skill and injury and roster decisions.

The $110 million then adds in the remaining $37 million in 2023 in the form of a $20 million P5 salary and a $17 million roster bonus. This is guaranteed for injury only. Meaning, if the Texans cut prior to 2023 they would not have to pay him his 2023 P5 salary nor would they have to pay him his roster bonus, but the other $73.5 million would have already been paid out by 2022. This is the NFL working through partial guarantees.

Summarizing above, P5(base salary) is divided by the number of games in the season and paid out weekly or bi-weekly. Depending on the wording of the contract, as you see above with Deshaun having everything guaranteed through 2022 but only partially guaranteed for injury in 2023, that payment comes in the form of game checks unless the team cuts the player. If that money was guaranteed, when a player is cut, it will be paid out in in 1/2/3 payments depending on the contract. If it wasn't guaranteed, the player gets nothing. Anytime you hear about partial guarantees, it only is protecting the player for injury, not skill and roster decisions.

The signing bonus for cap purposes is spread out over 5 years, so the Texans are on the hook for $5.4 million a year for Deshaun until 2024. That is the signing bonus spread out over the maximum 5 years. Thats what the Texans would be eating if they trade Deshaun. All the other guarantees would then fall on the other team, because they literally are taking on his contract as is, NTC and all, unless he agrees to restructure to get more money up front.

I hope this cleared up my earlier misstep.

For reference and fairness sake, all contract numbers discussed were taken from www.spotrac.com
 
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JWLCASPER

Waterboy
Thats where I'm at on this. Why should Caserio do all the leg work of wheeling and dealing with a team, get an offer on the table just to have Watson turn around and say "That doesn't work for me." I haven't read it myself but from what others on here are saying Watson is also not wanting the team he goes to to have to pay much to get him because he wants them to be a championship team.

@JWLCASPER I get what you are saying about bad blood and locker room problems but how are the Texans suppose to work out any kind of a deal if Watson is being completely unrealistic in what he wants. Thing about those other guys is most haven't gotten paid yet and if needed Tunsil could be cut after next year with only a 6 million cap hit and a cap saving of 14 million. When it comes down to it do you really think they will chose Watson over their own pocketbooks? I don't.
Oh absolutely not, players will always take the paycheck. But that doesn't mean that a little piece of them will doubt the process or the organization. It can be calmed to a point, but rookies and young players are easily influenced. That is all I am referring to.

This is just my opinion, and I may be completely off base, but I think the NTC is more of a talking point for us and the media than it is for NC and Mulugheta. Teams we have heard that may have the goods or that will be willing to get the goods, SF-DEN-CAR-NYJ-MIA, do you think Deshaun would turn that down. I don't. I said in another thread that his support group wants him to go certain places, but they will not stop Deshaun from going where he wants to go (anywhere but Houston honestly may be it). Deshaun knows where each of these teams pick, and who they have, and who may have to be sacrificed to get him. I do not see Deshaun as a clueless individual.

The holdup in my opinion. People are either lowballing NC or NC has been instructed to mend this thing before the draft. If he cannot, they will pull the trigger, after making the Watson hot and heavy teams pine a bit on who is making the biggest offer.
 

Jack Burton

Veteran
Oh absolutely not, players will always take the paycheck. But that doesn't mean that a little piece of them will doubt the process or the organization. It can be calmed to a point, but rookies and young players are easily influenced. That is all I am referring to.

This is just my opinion, and I may be completely off base, but I think the NTC is more of a talking point for us and the media than it is for NC and Mulugheta. Teams we have heard that may have the goods or that will be willing to get the goods, SF-DEN-CAR-NYJ-MIA, do you think Deshaun would turn that down. I don't. I said in another thread that his support group wants him to go certain places, but they will not stop Deshaun from going where he wants to go (anywhere but Houston honestly may be it). Deshaun knows where each of these teams pick, and who they have, and who may have to be sacrificed to get him. I do not see Deshaun as a clueless individual.

The holdup in my opinion. People are either lowballing NC or NC has been instructed to mend this thing before the draft. If he cannot, they will pull the trigger, after making the Watson hot and heavy teams pine a bit on who is making the biggest offer.
I don’t think teams are lowballing HOU necessarily. Maybe not quite what they want but not a flat out lowball request.
The reason nothing is happening right now is because nothing needs to happen. NC holds all the cards in this situation. And waiting and letting this start to really sizzle is what he is going to do.
When Caserio gets what he wants, he will tell Watson where he will play and if he says no, he will sit.
Caserio comes from the NE front office. Its all business there, the players don’t run anything and they would never put up with this kinda crap there.
 

JWLCASPER

Waterboy
I don’t think teams are lowballing HOU necessarily. Maybe not quite what they want but not a flat out lowball request.
The reason nothing is happening right now is because nothing needs to happen. NC holds all the cards in this situation. And waiting and letting this start to really sizzle is what he is going to do.
When Caserio gets what he wants, he will tell Watson where he will play and if he says no, he will sit.
Caserio comes from the NE front office. Its all business there, the players don’t run anything and they would never put up with this kinda crap there.
I definitely think you closer to the truth than not. I am not going to sit here and insinuate that I know, because I do not. Low-ball may have been the wrong term. Teams have not come with their best offer yet because, as you said, the timing is not right.
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
Oh absolutely not, players will always take the paycheck. But that doesn't mean that a little piece of them will doubt the process or the organization. It can be calmed to a point, but rookies and young players are easily influenced. That is all I am referring to.

This is just my opinion, and I may be completely off base, but I think the NTC is more of a talking point for us and the media than it is for NC and Mulugheta. Teams we have heard that may have the goods or that will be willing to get the goods, SF-DEN-CAR-NYJ-MIA, do you think Deshaun would turn that down. I don't. I said in another thread that his support group wants him to go certain places, but they will not stop Deshaun from going where he wants to go (anywhere but Houston honestly may be it). Deshaun knows where each of these teams pick, and who they have, and who may have to be sacrificed to get him. I do not see Deshaun as a clueless individual.

The holdup in my opinion. People are either lowballing NC or NC has been instructed to mend this thing before the draft. If he cannot, they will pull the trigger, after making the Watson hot and heavy teams pine a bit on who is making the biggest offer.
Don't you think it's better to do a deal before the draft.
Let's say with either the Jets or the Dolphins.
That way, the GM, NC, can start working on possible trade down scenarios?
 
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