The Houston Texans are in the midst of a three-year-long rebuild seeing three head coaches in three years and a multitude of sweeping changes within the power structure of the team. Finally, after two years of darkness, the team is on the upswing with the hiring of Demeco Ryan and the acquisitions of Franchise Quarterback C.J. Stroud and Edge Will Anderson. However, this team still has holes, and if it has plans to compete sooner than later, here are three players they should explore on the trade market.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans – Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle
Trade Target: Devine White, LB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
An underlying storyline of the offseason is Devin White’s contract situation in Tampa. After the team has made it clear that they aren’t looking to match the money their star linebacker is looking for, he has since requested a trade. Since then the topic hasn’t been talked about a lot or in the spotlight.
Though White has lost some of his prior speed and his form since Tampa’s 2021 Super Bowl he still is a great player. He is a perfect fit for a Demeco Ryans-led defense playing back in coverage and serving as a Blitzer. White will almost certainly demand a hefty price in compensation for a trade along with the price of a new contract. The idea is good but the Texans will have to move a lot to get a linebacker who is only getting older.
Trade Target: Stefon Diggs, WR Buffalo Bills
With yesterday’s latest drama in Buffalo with the star receiver, one could say that Stefon Diggs is available for trade. The Bills certainly aren’t looking to trade their superstar, especially after giving him a contract extension last year but what if the receiver forces his way out? The Texans should certainly pick up the phone and make a call as history shows that getting a star receiver for your young Quarterback proves successful. If trading for Devin White will take a lot, just imagine what a return for Diggs could be.
Bills WR Stefon Diggs (14) – Elise Amendola/AP Photo
Trade Target: Matt Waletzko, OT Dallas Cowboys
The Tackle is a second-year player who didn’t play a snap his rookie season in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. The fifth round draft pick is thought of highly by Cowboys brass and so if any trade came to fruition it would demand some form of compensation satisfactory enough for the Cowboys to accept. Waletzko is a target due to the Cowboys depth at the offensive line position and the Texans’ lack of on the line.
The line is important for any team but even more important for a team with a rookie quarterback who has yet to play a down in the National Football League. Waletzko is not a certain hit but is definitely a player with high upside who the team should consider taking a flyer on.
Three Free Agents the Houston Texans Could Add
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These targets are highly unlikely but are still things that should be looked at as we know that these sports executives are always looking. Since his time as the General Manager of the Texans, Nick Caserio has shown he can be both patient and aggressive. Two of these trades would be ultra-aggressive and would divert from the goal of the organization right now to build a strong, young team.
With Head Coach Demeco Ryans bringing the San Francisco brand of football over to Houston on both sides of the ball these players are seen as great fits to what the team wants to do. White can play as the captain of the defense, Diggs can be that stabilizing force and mentor to a young team and the receiver room, and Waletzko can provide insurance to a shaky line.
