The Houston Texans were expected to have growing pains in head coach DeMeco Ryans' first year at the helm. And they certainly have, but they've also taken several steps in the right direction. Heading into their BYE, the Texans are 3-3 and in second place in the AFC South.
Houston already showed they can go toe-to-toe with the Jacksonville Jaguars when they beat them in Week 3. However, their roster could use a few upgrades if they want to beat them for the top spot in the division. These three trades could most definitely help.
Houston Texans NFL Trade Deadline Target #3: Michael Onwenu, OG
General manager Nick Caserio bolstered several position groups in the offseason but there's still work left to be done. One group that could use a boost is the interior offensive line. Sophomore Kenyon Green was shut down for the season with a shoulder injury. His eventual replacement, Kendrick Green (no relationship), hurt his meniscus in Week 4 and is also out for the year.
Tytus Howard has lined up at left guard but he's better suited for a reserve role. This is why the Texans should give the New England Patriots a call and inquire about Michael Onwenu. For starters, the Pats are 1-5 and a long shot to contend for a playoff seed. Bill Belichick is seemingly in the hot seat and will attempt to right the ship, so he might not be inclined to sell before the trade deadline.
That said, moving on from Onwenu wouldn't move the needle much, so the Texans could get a deal done. Onwenu, a sixth-round selection in 2020, has played in 53 games with 45 in Foxborough. He's missed a couple games with an ankle injury in 2023 but he could be back soon.
The former Michigan Wolverine hasn't allowed a sack this season and has generally received good Pro Football Focus grades in both pass protection and the running game. On top of that, he can line up at tackle or either guard spot. That kind of flexibility would be huge for Houston.
Onwenu is in a contract year, so he would be either a one-year rental or secure an extension if he solidified the left guard position.
Houston Texans NFL Trade Deadline Target #3: Marshall Jr., WR
One big reason C.J. Stroud is having a strong rookie campaign is that he's got a wide array of weapons on offense. Nico Collins has become the quarterback's go-to receiver, hauling 29 receptions for 537 yards with three touchdowns. Robert Woods has also delivered when called upon while tight end Dalton Schultz provides a safety valve in the middle.
The Texans need someone to stretch the field. Rookie Tank Dell has at times been that deep threat but that shouldn't stop general manager Nick Caserio from pursuing Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., who's been granted permission to seek a trade.
Marshall has become somewhat of an afterthought on the Panthers' offense. A second-round pick in 2021, he was a non-factor in his rookie season. But he made strides in 2022 and finished the year with 28 receptions for 490 yards. However, he's regressed this season and has gone two games without a catch. The former LSU Tiger has caught 16 catches for 114 yards in 2023.
The talent is still there, Marshall may just need a change of scenery. The fact that the Carolina Panthers already gave him permission to look for a team shows they don't see him in their long-term plans and they don't probably expect to get much if they manage to trade him.
All things considered, the third-year pro could be a nice reclamation project for wide receiver coach Ben McDaniels.
Houston Texans NFL Trade Deadline Target #3: Chase Young, DE
The Houston Texans' defensive front has been a strength this season. Having traded back to draft Will Anderson Jr. third overall was a smart move, and so was signing Sheldon Rankins in free agency. Anderson and Rankins joined an already stout group that includes Maliek Collins, Jonathan Greenard, and ageless veteran Jerry Hughes. However, the group still has room for another pass rusher, someone like 2020 second-overall pick Chase Young.
Young would be an intriguing option for teams that want to bolster their pass rush. In fact, his name has been brought up as a potential trade candidate since the offseason. The Washington Commanders already made an investment in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, so they may need to decide between paying Young or Montez Sweat in 2024. Both of them are slated to hit free agency, and they'll probably be able to keep just one.
By trading Young, Washington would no longer have to make a decision next year and also get future draft assets. However you look at it, that seems like the best course of action. But why should the Texans acquire the Ohio State product?
Young has dealt with a myriad of injuries that have prevented him from reaching his potential. However, he's managed to stay healthy in 2023. Granted, he missed the opener but has been a game-wreaker the past few games. His pass-rush win rate of 20.6 percent and his 18.2 percent rate are ninth among pass rushers in the league. Similarly, he ranks fifth in total pressures with 31.
The Houston Texans could most definitely use that kind of production. They would most likely need to part ways with a third or second-round to land Young but it would be worth it if he can improve an already solid defensive line.