Report: Deshaun Watson not a 'distraction' for Texans despite trade request, legal issues

The Houston Texans didn't miss disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson over the weekend. Veteran Tyrod Taylor completed 21-of-33 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns en route to guiding his team to an impressive season-opening victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Watson missed the contest with a non-injury designation, as he reportedly still wishes to be traded and continues to face 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct along with 10 criminal complaints. Despite the off-the-field issues associated with the star signal-caller, James Palmer of the league's website reports "almost" a dozen Houston players, "some emphatically, have stated to me that Watson is not a distraction."  

Palmer added the 26-year-old attends meetings and even serves as "an extra set of eyes" while aiding Taylor in film sessions.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported Sunday the Texans rejected an offer of three first-round draft picks and three third-round picks for Watson ahead of this year's draft, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said earlier that morning talks regarding the quarterback could heat up before the Nov. 2 trade deadline. Watson hasn't yet been formally charged with a crime, has denied any wrongdoing and isn't on the commissioner's exempt list, so he's available to play for a different team if one is willing to take a chance on somebody who could be made ineligible to participate in games at any point during ongoing legal processes. 

It's believed there's no chance Watson will take a snap for the Texans this season or ever again.