On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote that Texans QB Deshaun Watson had the Bucs “on his radar” as a potential trade destination. That notion was refuted the next day by Watson’s agent, but by then the train had left the station. In reviewing any past relationships between Watson and the Bucs, some interesting quotes by the star quarterback have surfaced.

In 2019, before a regular season meeting with the Texans, head coach Bruce Arians revealed his pre-draft feelings for Watson. Back in 2017, the Cardinals were selecting 13th overall in the draft. Arizona had its’ sights set on drafting Watson, but the Texans jumped way up the board via trade to select the Clemson quarterback 12th overall. Instead, the Cardinals settled for Temple edge rusher Haason Reddick.

“He would have been drafted in the next pick,” Arians said of Watson, laughing.

Watson went on to star in Houston, while Arians’ Cardinals faltered without a great quarterback. But the Texans’ signal caller responded to Arians pre-game comments back in 2019, effusive in his praise for the Bucs head coach.

“I like Bruce,” Watson said. “That’s my guy. I’ve known Bruce. He used to come around, especially [with] Dabo (Swinney) [in Clemson]. When we had a couple of games in Arizona when he was still the coach there. He’s always been a fan of mine. And I’ve always been a fan of his, and we communicated. That’s pretty dope from a legendary coach like him. It gives me a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum and motivation to keep striving to be great.”

Now, Arians and Watson could have a chance to work together in the near future. Those quotes from Watson are important, as he has a no-trade clause in his contract. Whenever the Texans decide to trade him, the Pro Bowler will need to approve the destination.

But it will take some serious changes on Watson’s front. Right now, the quarterback still has a massive legal situation hanging over him. That situation also brings the Bucs’ ethical standards into question as well. In addition to those concerns, the Texans reportedly want a king’s ransom for Watson, including more than three first round picks. Time will tell if the Bucs are able or willing to meet whatever the eventual asking price is for Watson.