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Texans hesitated on Deshaun Watson's extension in 2020 due to concerns

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 1:44 AM

Last updated Sep 20, 2026

Texans hesitated on Deshaun Watson's extension in 2020 due to concerns

Summary

In 2020, negotiations for a contract extension between Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans revealed internal friction. Despite a strong performance leading to All-Pro selections, concerns about Watson's off-field behavior and desire for more influence within the organization contributed to hesitation from the Texans' management. This was particularly influenced by executive vice president Jack Easterby, who was reportedly not keen on offering the extension. Ultimately, Watson received a four-year, $156 million deal but only played one season before seeking a trade. His later off-field issues led to a contract with the Cleveland Browns, where he has faced ongoing scrutiny.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Negotiations for Watson's extension began after a strong 2020 season.
•Jack Easterby expressed concerns about extending Watson's contract.
•Watson eventually signed a four-year, $156 million deal with the Texans.
•He sought a trade after one season and faced off-field controversies.
•The Browns later signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract.

Latest Updates

1:44 AMYahoo Sports — NFL Insider reveals Houston Texans did not want to offer Deshaun Watson an extension in 2020

What they're saying

"
Deshaun Watson played his best football with the Houston Texans before his NFL career started going downhill with controversies and injuries. The Texans traded up 13 places to get Watson, who had played college football at Clemson.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cleveland Browns Houston Texans Football