NFL Rumors: Texans DE J.J. Watt Expected to Be Moved Ahead of 2021 Season

The Texans have struggled to open the 2020 NFL season and may look to trade their star defender ahead of next year.

Texans star defensive lineman J.J. Watt is a "virtual certainty" to be moved ahead of next season, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. 

According to CBS Sports, players in the Texans locker room are bracing for a Watt trade this offseason, with another source telling CBS Sports that "Watt's done everything they could have ever asked for, and this chapter is closing."

Several general managers who explored significant trade talks with the Texans also came away convinced that a trade involving is inevitable, according to CBS Sports. 

Watt, 31, was asked this past Wednesday if he believes he'll finish his career in Houston. 

"I don't think it's any secret that I don't have 10 years left in this league," Watt said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "I personally believe that I do have a few more great ones left in me. But you also can't ... I'm not looking to rebuild. I'm looking to go after a championship, and that's what I want to do. So, whatever is in the best interest of the Houston Texans, that's in the best interest of myself."

The former three-time Defensive Player of the Year has one season left on his contract extension, worth $1.75 million, though none of that money is guaranteed. 

Watt's name was floated in trade rumors in recent weeks, but The MMQB's Albert Breer reported in late October that Watt was one of the players off limits from a mid-season deal.

Kickoff for Houston (1–6) vs. Jacksonville (1–6) on Sunday is set for 1 p.m. ET.

Check out the latest news and notes from around the NFL:

• Raiders OT Trent Brown is expected to miss at least a month after recently being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Browns RB Nick Chubb is expected back at practice this week and the team is hopeful that he’ll play next Sunday. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Bucs GM Jason Licht is excited to see WR Antonio Brown make his season debut on Sunday night. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Lions QB Matthew Stafford flew private to Minnesota and is expected to start Sunday despite previously being on the reserve/COVID-19 list. (Ian Rapoport & Tom Pelissero, NFL Network)
• Chargers WR Keenan Allen is eligible to play on Sunday vs. the Raiders after consecutive negative COVID-19 tests. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• Bears defensive back Deon Bush was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. (Chicago Bears) 
• Titans DE Jadeveon Clowney has a meniscus injury and may end up having surgery. (Mike Garafolo & Tom Peliserro, NFL Network)