Derrick Henry: Deshaun Watson Trade out of AFC South Would Be Appreciated

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry reiterated Friday he'd be happy to see the Houston Texans trade quarterback Deshaun Watson out of the AFC South. 

Henry discussed the rumors surrounding Watson's reported trade request during an appearance on the NFL Network's Good Morning Football:

"I think it would make it a little bit easier to play them. The last two games we played them, it came down to the wire. Just the type of player he is, one of the best players in the league. He's the one that gets them going, and it's been that way since playing in college; we actually played for the national championship and it was a tough game then. I don't really know the whole situation really, but whatever occurs to him, I wish him the best.

"But if he wanted to go the NFC or go somewhere out west or anywhere else than the AFC South, we'd definitely appreciate it."

Henry made similar comments last week, saying on the Dan Patrick Show that Watson's desire to leave Houston was a "good thing for us."

The Titans beat the Texans in both meetings this season but they were hard-fought battles. Tennessee won 42-36 in overtime in Week 6 courtesy of a Henry touchdown run and scored a 41-38 victory in Week 17. If it lost both those games it would have missed the playoffs.

Watson was terrific in both contests. He combined to throw for 700 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception in the losses, a fact that falls right in line with Houston's season as a whole as it posted a 4-12 record despite the quarterback's individual success.

So far the Texans haven't signaled a willingness to trade the three-time Pro Bowl selection, though.

"And, you know, we have zero interest in trading the player," general manager Nick Caserio told reporters last week. "We have a great plan, a great vision for him and for this team and his role on our team. We look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with him here this spring."

Houston does hold leverage because Watson is under contract through 2025 as part of a four-year, $156 million deal, so the sides could be headed toward an extended stare down.

Although it may take awhile to figure out a resolution, and there's still a chances the 25-year-old Clemson product remains with the Texans heading into next season, there's no doubt other players around the division are echoing Henry's thoughts.

The road to an AFC South title becomes easier if Watson is no longer leading the Houston offense.