Yes, the Houston Texans need to elevate their offensive line.
Yes, the AFC South leaders could use another target for C.J. Stroud in the passing game.
Yes, the favorites to clinch another playoff spot would benefit from more efficient safety play down the stretch with matchups against the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
But no, don’t expect the Texans to be aggressive buyers like other teams before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline. Perhaps they’ll add in a piece or two depth-wise, but the top names on the market aren’t likely to land at NRG Stadium on Wednesday morning.
“We’re always looking to add to our team, add to our depth. That’s something we do constantly throughout the year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.
Five AFC contenders have added receivers leading into Week 10. The New York Jets reunited Davante Adams with Aaron Rodgers in a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Hours later, Amari Cooper was sent from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills.
The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs made deals with underwhelming teams like Carolina and Tennessee to land weapons in Dionate Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, respectively.
Most recently, the Steelers gave George Pickens a running mate by landing former Jets No. 3 target Mike Williams to serve as the No. 2.
Jets trading WR Mike Williams to Steelers for 2025 5th-round pick. (via @RapSheet + @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/JC6e7SM0ef
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2024
Houston, who rarely makes moves at the deadline, technically was the first contender to trade for a proven weapon, though it came before the draft with the acquisition of Stefon Diggs. It would remain a moot point if the four-time Pro Bowl receiver didn’t suffer a torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Colts.
The Washington Commanders have struck gold by trading for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. Houston couldn’t afford to make that move even if cornerback was a need.
No, really, the Texans couldn’t afford Lattimore’s contract, given their current cap space. And to land any player on a substantial deal, they would need to restructure the contracts of players like offensive tackles Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.
That’s probably not ideal since that would require them to shift salaries beyond the current contracts, meaning another extension.
Do the Texans want to extend Howard beyond his deal in 2026?
What about Tunsil through 2025?
Sure, Houston could offer a higher-value pick for compensation of the previous team paying off a player’s salary, but is the player a rental? The Texans are in win-now mode but still would benefit from keeping draft picks.
A team would also be entering a full-stage rebuild where it would take on the dead cap space for higher draft picks. Outside of perhaps Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, is there a player worth giving up a second-round pick for?
Bears could end up trading one of Nate Davis or Larry Borom.
Several teams looking for OL help. Texans standing out the most here.Chicago could also trade Khalil Herbert.
Apparently the Bengals are looking for a RB, hasn’t been confirmed which specific RB yet.— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) November 4, 2024
If Houston adds a player, look for it to be a backup from a struggling team that needs a fresh start. Chicago’s Nate Davis might be the Texans’ best option for an offensive lineman, especially given that the Bears might be willing to eat most of his $8 million salary for the rest of the season.
Outside of him, it should be a quiet day. Houston swung to build its roster in the offseason by adding Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, Joe Mixon, Denico Autry and Diggs. That might be enough for Nick Caserio.
“There isn’t just a mad rush now at the trade deadline for us to change our approach and how we go about managing our roster,” Ryans said.
The Texans’ practice facility will be loud as they prep for their showdown with the Lions on Sunday Night Football.
The phone lines will be quiet until after 3 p.m.
It’s always been that way. It won’t change because of the times.
