HOUSTON – Speaking for the first time since his introductory press conference, Houston Texans head coach David Culley reiterated that the team is committed to quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“We’re very committed to Deshaun as a quarterback,” Culley said. “He’s our quarterback. He’s the only guy we’ve hired right now, right now.”
Watson requested an operation, less than six months after signing a four-year, $ 156 million contract extension that will last the 2025 season. Watson’s commercial request came after the quarterback was unhappy with the process used by the team to hire general manager Nick Caserio in January.
Watson has a non-exchange clause, however, given the length of his contract and the possibility of labeling him for three years, the Texans could choose not to change him and have control of their rights during the 2028 season.
When asked if the jeans will change Watson, Culley said, “Deshaun Watson is a Houston Texan. And we’re committed to him.”
Culley said “right now there’s no contingency plan” if Watson chooses to sit instead of playing in Houston.
The new jeans coach met with Watson on Zoom in mid-February, where the quarterback reiterated, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, that he never wants to play in Houston again. Culley refused to say what the two discussed, saying he wanted to keep this between him and Watson.
When asked if Watson was committed to the jeans in the same way that Culley says the team is committed to the quarterback, Culley said, “Yes, it is.”
After referring to the commitment the Texans made with Watson by signing a contract extension, Culley said, “I think the same commitment would be made. [from Watson] too “.