Brock Osweiler's Reported Week 17 Argument with Bill O'Brien Led to Browns Trade

A heated argument between quarterback Brock Osweiler and Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien during the team's Week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans provided the impetus for last week's decision to trade Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns. 

Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the situation began after Texans quarterback Tom Savage was taken out of the game to be evaluated for a concussion:

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Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Savage became very upset, knocking things around in the locker room and otherwise making a ruckus about having his status jeopardized by a doctor’s decision to keep him from playing. At or about the same time, coach Bill O’Brien informed Osweiler that he’d be finishing the game.

Osweiler, per the source, reacted negatively, telling O’Brien in the visiting coach’s office at Nissan Stadium in Nashville that he’s only playing Osweiler because O’Brien needs him. [Editor’s note: That’s sort of how football depth charts work.] An argument ensued, voices were raised. At one point, it’s believed that Osweiler got up to walk away and O’Brien threw out an arm to stop him. That prompted Osweiler to act as if he were being “held hostage,” a claim that he would repeat (per the source) in the days after the game.

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The Texans stunned the NFL world Thursday upon announcing they traded Osweiler to the Browns. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Osweiler, a 2017 sixth-round pick and a 2018 second-round pick went to the Browns in exchange for a 2017 fourth-round pick. The deal also saved the Texans $10 million in cap space and $16 million total cash. 

Former NFL defensive back Bryant McFadden told 120 Sports, via Florio, some details about the confrontation involving Osweiler and O'Brien.

"It was physical," McFadden said. "It was physical. The players and coaches had to restrain O’Brien and Brock."

O'Brien and Osweiler each were mum in the days after the Week 17 game, with Osweiler saying, "Whatever's said between coach O'Brien and myself, it stays between us," per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

With Osweiler now on Cleveland's roster, the Texans have a decision to make at quarterback for 2017. Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden remain under contract, while ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the Texans are one of two potential trade destinations for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Osweiler's one-year tenure with the Texans was a mess with 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He now gets a fresh start with a different organization away from the off-field baggage that reportedly spelled the end of his time in Houston.