Report: Deshaun Watson asked for trade before Texans hired David Culley

Quarterback Deshaun Watson asked the Houston Texans to trade him weeks ago and has not spoken to newly hired general manager Nick Caserio or executive Jack Easterby, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday.

The expected hire of head coach David Culley, which was reported Wednesday night, will not change Watson’s desire to be traded, Schefter adds.

Watson has been at odds with the organization after it traded receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals last March, went 4-12 while firing head coach Bill O’Brien this season and did not include the quarterback in a search for new leadership since the year ended.

Despite a talent-lacking roster, Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards during the regular season. He completed 70% of his passes and threw 33 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

A person familiar with the hiring tells The Associated Press that Culley will be the new head coach of the Texans.

It will be the first head coaching job for the 65-year-old Culley, who has worked as an assistant for the Baltimore Ravens since 2019. He also spent time with Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Kansas City and Buffalo. He began his career as a college assistant and spent 1991-93 at Texas A&M.

Culley becomes the fourth coach in Texans history. He replaces O’Brien, who was fired after the team opened the season 0-4.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

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