Deshaun Watson has clouded Houston sports in the 2021 offseason more than an alien saucer from “Independence Day.” Whether it the trade request or the sexual assault lawsuits, Watson’s fate with the team is an issue that no one can deny.
However, center Justin Britt, who signed with the Houston Texans on March 8 when Watson’s drama with the team was only related to his trade demands, says that the issue at quarterback did not play a part in his decision to sign with Houston.
“What weighed into my decision was what was best for my family, best for me and my career and when I got here, they showed that they wanted me here,” Britt told reporters on a Zoom call on May 20. “It wasn’t just a piece of the puzzle, like, ‘we just needed you to finish the puzzle.’ They were like, ‘we need you to come here and we want you to do what you do and let that spread throughout the offensive line.’”
The Texans had a big need at center at the start of free agency as they had released starter Nick Martin, who had been the starter for all but two games throughout the 2017-20 seasons. Britt brings 54 starts as a center with the Seattle Seahawks from 2016-19 during his six-season stint with the NFC West club.
“The quarterback didn’t really make an impact in me,” said Britt. “Control what you can control. It was nice to be wanted and to this degree. I’m going to give them the same respect they gave me.”
Russell Wilson was the starter for every one of Britt’s 87 career games with the Seahawks. In Houston, Britt will have to wait for the coaches to decide between Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Finley, Jeff Driskel, rookie Davis Mills, and the highly improbable chance of Watson.