What’s the best way to handle this from a football perspective?

OK. This guy is very likely guilty of serious crimes that we don't take lightly. As this continues, he may end up with a long suspension from the NFL, he may end up in criminal court, and he may end up in jail. This is bigger than football, justice needs to be served and I hope for peace and healing for all of his victims

Setting that aside for a moment, I'm confused as to what the options are for the Texans. It seems like there are a few choices. What follows should not discount the seriousness of this situation, but chooses to discuss purely the football part of it:

  • Wait and see. You're not forfeiting leverage by releasing DW4, but you're also not making the best PR move by keeping him employed. Long term, you hold his contract 'hostage' and force him to play for the Texans later, or trade him later when it's case closed, justice service, fines paid, whatever it ends up being. This, to me, seems ideal as long as you make it clear that it's a business move and that you're not suggesting you're on Watson's side; rather, you aren't letting him loose from his contractual commitment.

  • Release him. Absolutely the right thing to do if you want to send the right message to the world and lead with ethics over business. However…. you're essentially forfeiting all the leverage you have. All of it. You go back to square 1 of not having a franchise QB AND you don't get any draft capitol back. The best moral move, the worst football move.

  • Trade him. I believe he is now completely untradeable, as he should be. So while this is still technically an option, there is no buyer.

What am I missing in terms of the options the team has?

submitted by /u/IUMaestro
[link] [comments]