HOUSTON — The Houston Texans hired Nick Caserio as their new general manager to help solve some of the major problems within the organization and he kicked things off on Friday by making it very clear that franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson is going nowhere.
Rumors have been swirling all week about the unhappiness of Watson, who many believe could request a trade during the offseason.
However, when asked about the future of the club’s quarterback, Caserio was direct in his response and made it clear that Houston intends to build around its superstar playmaker.
Deshaun Watson Headed To The New England Patriots?
“I think each year is a new year. We’re starting from scratch,” Caserio explained. “I think the most important thing for us to speak specifically to Deshaun.
“I say from afar the respect and admiration that I have for him as a player and what he’s done for this organization is significant. He’s our quarterback.”
Earlier this week NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Watson is “extremely unhappy” with the Texans organization for not involving him in the hiring process of Caserio.
According to the report, Watson, who met with the team’s owner Cal McNair on several occasions, was told that he’d play a role in deciding on a new general manager.
It is understood Watson has not spoken to Texans officials in the last few days despite the club making a number of attempts to contact him.
However, as part of his blueprint for a fresh start, Caserio promised to meet with the franchise quarterback when the time is right.
“Quite frankly, he’s a big reason why over the last two seasons we faced the Texans that New England came out on the losing side of the ledger,” he said. “… When the appropriate time comes, we’ll sit and spend some time with Deshaun. We’re certainly looking forward to the opportunity to work with him.”
Houston finished the season with just four wins to go with its 12 defeats, while coach Bill O’Brien was fired before the conclusion of the campaign.
Caserio proposed changes.
“What is the vision, what is the plan moving forward for the Houston Texans?” he said. “(It centers on) willingly accepting challenges which we unquestionably will face, have faced and will continue to face each day. Always put the team above yourself; nothing is, nothing will be more important than the team. Others before self; team before I.
“That will be the mindset, and that will be the expectations for everybody that walks into the building on a daily basis.”
