Texans GM Rick Smith shoots down report that they ignored Jay Cutler's calls

Houston's general manager winded up getting his quarterback in Deshaun Watson

Before the Texans made a move to draft Deshaun Watson in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they faced a quarterback crisis that lacked a clear answer. After failing to sign Tony Romo, the Texans' choices were limited. They could either sign a veteran like Jay Cutler or take a chance on someone in the draft. Obviously, they settled on the latter of the two options.

Apparently, the idea of an unknown rookie was more attractive than Cutler. That theory was backed up by a report that began circulating during the draft. According to the report, Cutler had called the Texans to offer his services and the Texans had ignored his calls. 

But on Wednesday, Texans general manager Rick Smith shot down that report. Appearing on Stephen A. Smith's radio show, Smith called that report "not true."

Via ESPN (skip to the 12-minute mark to hear for yourself):

Stephen A. Smith: "Is it true as an organization that Jay Cutler called y'all and y'all didn't call him back? Is that true?"

Rick Smith: "I don't know why that was reported. That's just not true. I will tell you that that is not true. I will answer that one."

So, the story turned out to be too good to be true, which makes sense. It wouldn't have really made sense for the Texans to ignore phone calls from an agent like Bus Cook, who represents Cutler and a number of other players like Texans star Jadeveon Clowney. Ignoring the agent of a star young player, who is going to need a new contract in the near future, doesn't seem like a sound strategy for a front office.

Still, Cutler's future remains murky. With the Texans deciding to roll with a quarterback room headlined by Watson and Tom Savage, Cutler's options are limited. Some teams like the Jets and 49ers lack starting-caliber quarterbacks, but it's tough to see Cutler wanting to play for a non-playoff team after spending the last few seasons getting beat up on a bad Bears team. I still think the Jaguars are a good fit, but it remains to be seen if they're interested in bringing competition for Blake Bortles.

According to Cutler's wife Kristin Cavallari, "exciting things" are happening for Cutler, which he will reveal at some point in the future.

"I don't want to say too much, but exciting things are happening for him," she told People. "He hasn't said what he's going to do next year, and I'll let him say that when it's time to, but he's good. He's good."