I still believe this dust up between Watson and the Texans started with Easterby. I base this off of what Watson said in his last presser after his and the rest of the Texans ended, when he stated that there were people walking around the organization flaunting power that he didn't think they should have. The target of his frustration widened to include Cal when Watson came to understand (as we all did) that Jack was here to stay.
Probably if we just stuck with the "facts of the case" this would make sense.
Watson repeatedly stated he loved playing for Bill O'Brien.
Hopkins traded.
Watson signs new contract.
Bill O'Brien fired.
Watson tells the media at his season ending press conference that he felt the season was "dysfunctional" for team. He mentions the team needs a "cultural change" and "structure". He also said "there's too many people (in the organization) thinking they have all this power." Who was he talking about?
https://www.houstontexans.com/video/deshaun-watson-press-conference-1-4-2021
Texans hire Nick Caserio, a well-known long time friend of JE.
There's a lot to left to speculate on. Only the players themselves know how the season was for them behind closed doors. But it's not hard to figure out it wasn't a cohesive environment when routinely players would complain about other players to the media. That's not good and JJ Watt couldn't wait to get out of that locker room.
I'm not going after Watson with both barrels blazing like some, although I have been a bit frustrated at Watson. But I don't know how bad it was and is in that organization. I believe it's a highly dysfunctional environment, just based upon the turnover and the things some of the players have said. NFL franchises are no different than any other organization in that when the culture goes sour, employees start looking for the exits.