One day into the job and Nick Caserio must fix the Texans’ mistakes before it’s too late.
Nineteen years ago, the Houston Texans entered the NFL, hoping to find their identity. After another losing season, they’re still far from it.
As he begins his career as new general manager, Nick Caserio’s first job will be convincing the city of Houston he’s the right man for the future.
His second will be convincing Deshaun Watson, the team’s only franchise quarterback, his future is with the team.
Reports flew in Thursday evening that Watson was unhappy how the team handled Caserio’s hiring process. No, not the hire itself, but rather, leaving him out in the dark once again.
For two years now, the Texans have made promises to Watson they couldn’t keep. At some point, a fuse is set to ignite. The countdown clock on Watson’s doomsday device began ticking when a cryptic tweet of “some things never change” fluttered through the airwaves.
Caserio is more than qualified to run an organization. He helped the New England Patriots build three rosters that hoisted Lombardi Trophies. Six Super Bowl rings later, the ultimate goal of bringing a title to Houston has a mastermind with the right formula.
The formula, though, only works if Caserio can mend the mistakes that owner Cal McNair and Jack Easterby have made. That will be far easier said than done.
Caserio’s tenure will be remembered by his first move
McNair gave the power to Easterby, the Patriots former chaplain, to lead the search committee. Caserio was the obvious choice as the Texans initially tried to sign him following the firing of Brian Gaine.
The 4-12 Texans will give more than enough for sleepless nights for Caserio already. The team will be $17.8 million over the estimated 2021 salary cap and will have to decide the future of J.J. Watt. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has already stated he does not wish to be a part of a rebuilding club.
None of that matters now. It’s all about Watson. It’s Caserio’s only worry until further notice for the fans of the franchise.
Watson, who agreed to terms on a four-year, $156 million deal this season, will remain under contract until 2025. The 25-year-old was told by McNair and Easterby his input would be key in the hiring this offseason.
His voice? Heard. Their response? Silent.
The Texans have failed to interview Watson’s top choice Eric Bieniemy. The defensive players are hoping to grab San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. His phone has rung to everyone but Houston.
Caserio’s first phone call will be to Watson. His second and third will need to be to Bieniemy and Saleh.
Never once did the team say they would take Watson’s choice, but rather, his suggestions. Instead, McNair and Easterby caused a PR nightmare that has outlets coming up with trade destinations for a player who feels near untouchable on the market.
McNair stated that the next GM would have a say in Easterby’s future role. Caserio needs to make it non-existent. Chaos continues to climb the ladder inside the walls of NRG Drive and Easterby is the culprit behind the dysfunctional distress.
The Texans’ organization has an ember forming in a pit with Watson ready to flick the match. Caserio’s legacy will be remembered only by how he douses the flames.
If he can’t, he’ll be the one who’s burning alive.