Deshaun Watson Met With David Culley, Refuses To Play For Texans (2/25/21)
Just prior to all the lawsuits being filed, Watson told the HC he was done playing for the Texans. At OTAs / minicamp / training camp, he was listed as 4th string QB and did very little other than stretch and individual workouts. He showed up to be able to say he showed up, but he did not practice with the team on the field. At the time, owner Cal McNair said Watson would remain a Texan, but later came off that stance and sought to trade him. However, by then the lawsuit circus had come to town. Watson was content to do nothing, and since the Texans opted to pay him his full salary, Watson just blended into the background all season. On the boards, there were various discussions on why the Texans caved and opted to pay him.
Technically, as you indicated, HOU listed him as not playing for football reasons, but it started as Watson saying he was done with the team. It essentially amounted to the same outcome as if he were officially placed on the exempt list (paid leave). Given that he received full pay (with no fines or team suspensions), there is no case to be made for him getting credit for "time served."