Deshaun Watson’s imminent trade determines the future of the Houston Texans

Waiting for the Deshaun Watson trade announcement will soon be over.

The future of the Houston Texans will start with a press conference and GM Nick Caserio saying, “We announce today that the Houston Texans have traded Deshaun Watson to (Fill in the blank).” That day drew significantly closer with the recent court decision that Watson would not face criminal charges. So now, we wait for the announcement, which, as Ian Rapoport reported, could come as early as Wednesday.

Many think that Deshaun Watson and his no-trade clause control the situation. This is only partially true. If an offer comes in that the Texans front office likes but Watson doesn’t, Watson can decline the trade.

But the opposites apply as well. If a lesser offer is made by a team Watson likes, the Texans can also say no. Caserio is not obligated to trade Watson at all. But it is what is best for both sides. But he does not have to give Watson away, and Caserio must hold out for the best offer.

The stakes are high for the Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson

It appears that the only way a team can come to the bargaining table is to ante up three first-round picks. That will get them in the high stakes poker game, and then the bidding will commence: and it will be costly, and Caserio is the dealer.

If a team wants Watson, the Texans must make it hurt a little. There is no need to worry about the winner that gets a prize valued higher than anyone or anything they could offer. A franchise quarterback is worth his weight in draft picks, and that’s what it’s going to cost. It appears that several teams are open to that cost.

The early offers have been significant. So many draft picks and big names are being tossed about. Caserio has to weigh the options and make the best choice for the Texans, not Watson.

If the best offer comes from a team that Watson doesn’t like, then Caserio must stand firm and try to persuade Watson to approve the trade or encourage his choice team to raise their bid. The pressure is on Watson if he wants out, not  Caserio.

Where this game ends is where the Texans begin again.