Houston Texans: What moving Bradley Roby means for young players

Bradley Roby is on his way out to New Orleans after the recent trade. What does this move mean for the young players remaining on the Houston Texans?

If it wasn’t clear before, it should be painfully clear by now that the success for the 2021 Houston Texans will be measured by wins and losses. The recent move by the front office sees their best secondary player move on, leaving a weak position even weaker.

On the surface, a team with no sign of competing in the near future moving a player with a contract like Roby’s makes sense. Also, though no compensation has been reported, it is likely that the Texans get back draft capital. This is also ideal for a team looking to build for the future. Moving veterans for future picks will help turn around this already old roster.

Stream the Texans with fuboTV. Cloud DVR, local channels available in most markets, no cancellation fees. Start a 7-day free trial today.  

The concern with moving away any and all competent players however, is leaving a wasteland for your young talent to work with. As stated, the Texans have an old roster at the moment. But, for players like Justin Reid and Lonnie Johnson in the secondary, playing around a competent roster will help their development. Being surrounded by castoffs or players looking to hang on may stunt their growth all together.

Houston Texans have been busy at the cornerback position recently

In the last week, the team has been busy adding a few players at the position. Cre’von LeBlanc was added to the practice squad and Jimmy Moreland was claimed off waivers from Washington Football Team. There are also reports that the team could be adding former Houston Cougar Isaiah Johnson to the practice squad, though it has not been made official at this time.

Moreland and Johnson were players that showed promise for long term development due to their physical gifts and ball skills coming out of college. Keeping Roby on the roster would have value in mentoring young players along with giving them a first hand view of what success at the position looks like. But, with Roby gone, it will leave an opening for younger players to see the field and audition for a long term stay in the Space City.

Desmond King remains for the team on Kirby as a veteran voice who has had some success in the NFL. But, King is a slot cornerback who has a specific skillset. Roby was the best option outside, and where the Texans will be looking to play a young addition like Moreland.

This move can certainly be viewed as a step in the right direction for long term growth of the franchise. And an obvious indication to Houston Texan fans that rough days are ahead. For the young players on the team, they will have to look elsewhere for an in house example to follow.