To keep pace with the rest of the AFC, the Houston Texans might have to make some phone calls over the weekend.
Several other teams in the conference plan to do so before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals all plan to inquire about several names on both sides to better their chances of securing a playoff spot.
According to Russini, Houston isn’t expected to target a receiver despite losing Stefon Diggs to a season-ending torn AC L last week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still looking for a wide receiver.
Will they find him by Tuesday’s deadline? https://t.co/7qXsguExdA— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 2, 2024
Kansas City, which already added linebacker Josh Uche and receiver DeAndre Hopkins, could be in the market for another pass-catcher and defensive back.
“Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would love for Veach to get him a young, fast corner,” Russinni wrote. “Kansas City is trying to land the final pieces on its mission to a three-peat.”
Cincinnati, which remains in the AFC wild-card hunt at 3-5, does not plan on trading Tee Higgins and will look to bolster its defensive line opposite Trey Hendrickson. One potential option is New York Giants defensive end Azeez Ojulari.
“The Giants are already paying Brian Burns and spent a top-five pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux, so with Ojulari set to hit free agency after the season, GM Joe Schoen is trying to get something in return for him now,” Russinni wrote.
As for the Steelers, who once again seem destined to finish above .500 under Mike Tomlin, remain in the hunt for a No. 2 receiver opposite George Pickens. Pittsburgh was rumored to be in the market for Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams before the former inked a new deal with San Francisco and the latter was traded to New York.
The Jets, who secured a 21-13 win over the Texans on Thursday Night Football, now plan to remain idle at the deadline rather than trade away pieces. Receiver Mike Williams was rumored as a potential trade candidate for Houston if the asking price was in the ideal range.
The Texans might not add a receiver, but they would be wise to target an interior offensive lineman. Third-year starter Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Thursday’s loss.
A potential name to monitor is Jaguars five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, though in-division trades usually don’t occur.
Houston will have a week to sort out its roster concerns before it welcomes Detroit for a showdown on Sunday Night Football.
