Houston Texans once again facing a top pick in draft without standout quarterback

HOUSTON -- Before drafting Deshaun Watson in 2017, the Houston Texans spent most of their franchise history chasing a quarterback. Fifteen months after signing Watson through the 2025 season, though, here they are again.

Watson’s future in the NFL, as unclear as that even is at the moment, is not going to be in Houston. Facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, he has made it clear that he wants out. The Texans quarterback even went as far as trying to settle all 22 lawsuits before the Nov. 2 trade deadline so he could be traded.

Now, as the Texans (3-11) enter the 2022 offseason with what seems likely to be a top-four pick in the upcoming draft, they have…