#Deshaun Watson’s role in Texans’ GM search led to trade buzz

Deshaun Watson’s frustrations are directed toward the Houston Texans’ hiring process.

Watson had been informed by team owner Cal McNair that he would be involved in and be allowed to provide feedback in the team’s search for a new general manager and coach, according to NFL Network. That did not prove to be the case when the Texans hired Nick Caserio on Tuesday, according to the report.

Watson’s frustration has led to rumblings he is considering requesting a trade from the organization that drafted him No. 12 overall in 2017 and he as quietly broached the idea with his teammates.

ESPN reported Watson did offer input on potential GM candidates on several occasions to McNair, but the Texans did not consult with or consider the people the franchise quarterback endorsed. Watson, 25, found out about Caserio getting hired through social media and led to his tweet about how “some things never change….”, according to ESPN.

Watson did not expect Houston to hire the candidates he suggested, but hoped the team would respect his feelings and those of the teammates on whose behalf he was speaking, according to ESPN. That included getting to meet with finalists so he could offer the players’ perspective to them and then the organization could hire who it saw fit.

He was also not informed last year that star receiver DeAndre Hopkins was going to be trade to the Cardinals. The Texans finished a disappointed 4-12 this season, during which coach/GM Bill O’Brien was fired after the team began 0-4. Watson signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Texans in September.