Does Texans QB Deshaun Watson truly intend to hold out?

Quarterback Deshaun Watson does not want to play for the Houston Texans ever again.

So has been the swirling word from sundry reports over the last week. However, the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback posted a picture on Twitter Tuesday with the words “Let’s Go!” accompanied by a heart and praying hands. The image also had the tagline embedded of, “We Back!!!! ‘The work comes 1st!!'” Watson also tagged his personal quarterback coach Quincy Avery in the picture.

If Watson intends to never play another down for the Texans, why is he working out? Shouldn’t he be traveling abroad or surveying tropical beaches somewhere?

The most optimistic assessment is that Watson is bluffing and he will continue to take snaps for the Texans. He has to stay in shape, even as the NFL and the NFLPA work out what the offseason programs will look like amid the ongoing lockdowns.

The more reasonable assessment is Watson has to stay in shape regardless of what happens in 2021, whether the Texans trade him or he has to hold out for the entire season. The former 2017 first-round pick can’t afford to sit around and eat Cheetos and watch documentaries on the sundry streaming services available these days. Watson has to stay at peak level if he takes over a new huddle in a different NFL city. After all, that team will have surrendered a franchise quarterback’s ransom to add what they will consider the missing piece to being a contending team. Watson will need to be in shape and ready to deliver dynamic performances, not spending time in the trainers room.

On Jan. 29, general manager Nick Caserio asserted the Texans have “zero interest” in trading Watson. However, in a meeting with new coach David Culley last week, Watson said he wants to move on from the organization. Houston sports fans are caught in the middle wondering when their beloved NFL team will take the final step towards rebuilding.

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When is the best time for the Texans to trade QB Deshaun Watson?