Why Watson’s no trade clause is meaningless

He’s not sitting for 2 straight years. Period. He can say whatever he wants, but he’s not going to sit.

His financial situation probably isn’t that great given that he’s only made 24 million so far in his career without including his signing bonus. Including sponsorships, probably 34 million in total. After taxes, legal fees, management fees, and lifestyle expenses, Watson probably only has 6-10 million in cash/investments. If he wants to keep up his lifestyle, he’ll have to play.

Watson can’t afford the fines either. There’s a reason why he showed up to camp this year. The pending civil suit settlements will probably be 2-3 million minimum as well unless Watson wants to spend 2-3 million more in legal fees.

He will literally have to file for bankruptcy if he is forced to give back the signing bonus. He can’t afford it.

Texans hold all the cards. He will go wherever they want to trade him, or he will be forced to play for us. Before anyone says “he’ll just fake an injury or spike the ball every time” the NFL and Las Vegas sports books won’t allow this to happen.

Additionally, if he wants to save his career and any possibility of future sponsorships, he’s going to play no matter what next year.

His no trade clause is meaningless. It’s just a matter of how hard the Texans want to play this game.