HOUSTON -- The first thing Texans CEO Cal McNair and newly hired general manager Nick Caserio had to address Friday was how to repair the relationship with franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson.
McNair, first in a prepared statement, acknowledged Watson's displeasure and said he's reached out to the QB. Watson is on vacation and has yet to return McNair's call, but he's upset about not being included in the decision to hire Caserio.
When Caserio was asked how he planned to address the issue, and whether he would put Watson trade rumors to bed, here's what he had to say:
“Each year is a new year. We’re starting from scratch. I think the most important thing for us is to speak specifically to Deshaun. I’d say from afar, the respect and admiration I have for him as a player and what he’s done for this organization is significant. He’s our quarterback.
“I think it’s important for all of us to take some time and I think when the time’s appropriate, we’ll have discussions with the players. I think it’s important for us, whatever conversations we’re going to have with players about their individual situation, that we do it directly, that we do it face to face. When the appropriate time comes, we’ll sit and spend some time with Deshaun. But certainly looking forward to the opportunity to work with him. ...
“He’s our quarterback. Again, once we have an opportunity to spend some time together, we’ll have further discussions. But I can’t tell you how much respect and admiration that I have for him for who he is as a player and what he means to this franchise.”
McNair followed up by saying Watson, as well as defensive end J.J. Watt, are valued members of the team.
"They’re important to the team and the city," McNair said. "They’re passionate and they want to win. And those are all totally in alignment with where we’re going and what we’ve done here in bringing Nick aboard. So it’s perfect. We’re totally aligned."
Whether they actually align remains to be seen. Watt has made his frustrations clear, and his contract in 2020 is not guaranteed. Caserio and Watt still have decisions to make on his future with the team.
And the situation with Watson is tenuous until they speak and give the QB some assurances.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram