There is at least one Houston Texans player who doesn’t have to worry about being dealt by Trader Bill.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract extension, which keeps him with Houston through the 2025 season, includes a no-trade clause.
Coach and general manager Bill O’Brien earned scrutiny beginning with the end of the 2019 preseason when he traded edge defender Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks for Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin, and a 2020 third-round pick, which was later used to acquire Oakland Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley in a trade.
#Texans QB @deshaunwatson may have been paid a contract extension that sets his family up for generations, but his hunger, desire to bring a championship to Houston is as intense as it was before he inked the deal. pic.twitter.com/1lwJARHrhV
— The Texans Wire (@TheTexansWire) September 6, 2020
The criticism intensified when the Texans traded three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2020 second-round pick. Houston also traded with the Los Angeles Rams for receiver Brandin Cooks.
However, Watson’s no-trade clause isn’t a dig at O’Brien or any anxiety Watson has about being traded just anywhere for draft picks. It makes Watson more of a stakeholder in the Texans’ fortunes moving forward.
On Saturday, the former 2017 first-round pick from Clemson agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $160 million. Watson will earn $39 million annually, making him the second-highest paid quarterback in the NFL.
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