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Texans Between Rock and Hard Place With Deshaun Watson's Antonio Brown Interest

By Scott Rogust

Houston may have a problem with Deshaun Watson's apparent desire for the team to sign receiver Antonio Brown.
Houston may have a problem with Deshaun Watson's apparent desire for the team to sign receiver Antonio Brown. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The Houston Texans have been the most talked about team this NFL offseason, but not in a good way. Rather, fans and analysts continue to speculate on what went through the franchise's mind when deciding to trade wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and limited draft capital. After the transaction, Hopkins revealed he had "no relationship" with head coach Bill O'Brien, which might have fueled the team's desire to trade the top-tier wideout.

Houston thought they got "rid of a problem," but they're now between a rock and a hard place with quarterback Deshaun Watson seemingly expressing interest in embattled receiver Antonio Brown through a Twitter reply to former NFL wideout Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.

There's no denying that Brown is a talented receiver, because he is. It's the fact that he carries so much baggage that whichever team that signs him will also acquire a season-long headache.

Brown has been out of the league since last September after a turbulent 2019. He forced the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade him to the Oakland Raiders. After a few months as a Raider, Brown orchestrated his release from the team over a helmet dispute as a ploy to sign with the New England Patriots. And finally, his stint with the Patriots ended after one game due to the emergence of sexual assault allegations made against him by his former trainer.

The receiver has been seen working out with quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, and Dwayne Haskins, causing there to be buzz about him signing with their respective teams. However, the aforementioned assault allegations are still being investigated by the NFL, so his status for the upcoming season remains in flux.

If Bill O'Brien had trouble dealing with Hopkins, Antonio Brown is going to be his nightmare. But since the Texans are looking to lock in Watson to a long-term deal, they have to keep him happy no matter the costs. The team already surrendered his top target, and he now appears to have his eyes set on Brown.

Houston, you've got a problem.