The NFL trade deadline is less than a week away (Nov. 10, 4 p.m. ET) and the Houston Texans are in a precarious spot. With a record of 2-5, the Texans might be the most disappointing team in the league, as their roster suggests they should be much better. Houston was 1-4 when it traded for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in October, and it could make one more move to try to make a run to the playoffs.
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the possibility of the Texans trading for Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, but things have been quiet on that front. With the deadline around the corner, Houston doesn't have long to weigh its options. It also has to consider if it has the right coaches in place, which is another issue in itself.
ESPN analysts gave their predictions for what the Texans might do at the trade deadline, and I'm going to suggest a couple alternative options.
What will the Texans do at the trade deadline?
DJ Bien-Aime said the goal for the Texans should be to "keep assets", and I agree. However, Jeremy Fowler and Aaron Schatz provided possibilities for Houston if it wants to get involved in a trade. Here is Fowler's suggestion for who the Texans could look to part ways from:
"Edge Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney has generated trade interest, and because he has played for seven NFL teams over his 13-year career, he's comfortable with being a rental for a contender," Fowler said.
Clowney reunited with the Texans before the season, but the nostalgia seems to have run out for the coaching staff. Clowney has played in five games this season, primarily as a pass rusher, and has yet to reach 30 snaps in a contest. He showed a glimpse of his younger self against the Dallas Cowboys in week four, recording four tackles and 0.5 sacks. In three games since then, he has four total tackles and hasn't touched a quarterback.
The Texans could also look to move safety Reed Blankenship or wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Blankenship has been a liability in the defensive backfield, allowing the second-most receptions (23) out of any Texans player, behind only CB Kamari Lassiter (33). The difference between the two is age and expectations, as Blankenship (27 years old) should be much more reliable than Lassiter (23 years old) at this point in their respective careers.
Boutte was brought in from the New England Patriots in the offseason, but he hasn't made much of an impact (13 catches on 21 targets), as he's started just one game. With Harrison now on the roster, Boutte doesn't have a path to significant playing time in Houston. According to ESPN's Seth Walder, the Atlanta Falcons are a team that could use Boutte.
In terms of who the Texans should target, Schatz suggested this:
"Raiders CB Taron Johnson. The Texans could use more depth at the nickel with Jalen Pitre dealing with a left shoulder injury. When Pitre returns, having the veteran Johnson around would allow Pitre to occasionally spell Reed Blankenship at safety (or even start in his place)," Schatz said.
Johnson has been decent this season, but I'm not convinced he would be the fix at the nickel. Johnson is allowing a passer rating of 126.9 this season, which would be fourth worst on the Texans, and even worse than Blankenship (112.9). I believe Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom should be on the Texans' radar. Ransom is 24 years old and can line up in several different spots, as he has at least ten snaps aligned as a linebacker, slot cornerback and free safety this season.
It was also suggested by Fowler that Cardinals safety Budda Baker is a name to keep an eye on. If the Texans are looking to swing for the fences, the addition of Baker would be a great way to do it. Plus, the teams are already familiar with each other in a trade given the aforementioned Harrison move. It's not likely, but crazier things have happened.
Add us as a preferred source on Google