Houston Texans: Takeaways for Jadeveon Clowney, Laremy Tunsil trades and more
Trade 4: Tunsil, Stills for big-time draft choices
Did the Houston Texans trade too much for their now franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills and two late draft choices?
For that package of players and draft picks, the Texans send a package to the Miami Dolphins that included two first round picks, a second round pick, offensive tackle Julie’n Davenport, and cornerback Johnson Bademosi.
Anytime a teams trades two consecutive first rounders, plus a second round choice they are over paying, but if a team needs to protect a franchise quarterback like the Texans needed to with Deshaun Watson, no price is too big.
Even if the Texans did pay more for Tunsil, Stills and the draft picks than the Chicago Bears did for Khalil Mack last year, Houston did what they needed to protect their quarterback, because without Watson the Texans are guaranteed to not make the playoffs.
Tunsil gives Watson and the Texans some security — remember he was sacked 62 times in ’18 — and with Tunsil only being 26 years old, he’s still in the prime of his career. The one issue is Tunsil is an unrestricted free agent following the 2020 season, so he’s guaranteed to be with the Texans for the 2019 and ’20 seasons, but they need to work on a long-term contract.
On paper the Texans did give up a lot, but as Adam Schefter wrote in the following tweet, first round draft picks aren’t 100-percent to work out either:
Text from NFL exec: “I remember a time when people talked about the Browns having multiple picks - and they turned into Brandon Weeden, Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Cameron Irving.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2019
Then again, the Browns also used early draft picks for the likes of quarterback Baker Mayfield, running back Nick Chubb and pass rusher Myles Garrett, so it does work both ways when it comes to the first and second round choices being draft successes.
Houston did what they needed to do to win right now for this season, because they have a chance in front of them to repeat as AFC South champions. With a left tackle like Tunsil protecting the blind side of Watson, the Texans could win playoff games too, and the offensive line is better than it was last season with Tunsil’s addition.
Also don’t sleep on the addition of Stills either. There’s more depth to the wide receivers now, especially with the injury history of Keke Coutee and Will Fuller. Stills last season had 37 receptions for 553 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.9 yards per reception. He will be needed in the Texans offense with DeAndre Hopkins.
The Texans aren’t afraid to throw the football, and Watson will spread the football around, so don’t be surprised to see similar numbers or better when it comes to Stills this season.
Next. Hyde for Rankin is great trade for Texans. dark
Though the Texans paid a lot for Tunsil and Stills, this trade works, and the franchise got the left tackle that eluded them last season. This trade is much better than the one made with Clowney.