Tag: Houston Texans trades

Could Texans trade preseason breakout star WR John Metchie III?

After an impressive training camp, could the Houston Texans trade John Metchie III while his value is at an all-time high?

Could John Metchie III be on the move before Week 1?

Based on one report, it’s not off the table heading into Tuesday’s roster cutdown deadline.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Houston Texans have been contacted by “multiple teams” regarding the availability of the third-year wide receiver. The Texans are loaded at the position and could afford to free up space by trading one of their top backups.

Schultz did note that it’s “unclear” if the Texans would be willing to trade Metchie, although several opposing front offices are keeping a “close eye” on the former second-round pick.

An asking price wasn’t mentioned, but it’s safe to assume given Metchie’s unproven upside in the regular season, he’d likely go for a Day 3 pick. Could it be more? If so, that’s a deal the Texans would at least have to mull over given the long-term status of several other positions.

Metchie was drafted by the Texans out of Alabama in 2022, but missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with leukemia during summer workouts. He returned in 2023, hauling in 16 passes for 158 yards.

Perhaps the Metchie’s highlight moment came in the 45-14 wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns. Totaling three catches for 36 yards, Metchie helped the Texans inch deep into Browns’ territory with a 27-yard grab-and-go from C.J. Stroud in the second quarter.

He picked back up where he left off in the preseason. Metchie had been a standout in practice with both Stroud and Davis Mills in the passing game. In Week 2’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants, he finished with a team-leading six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Everyone in the locker room loves Metchie. As much as he offers upside on the field, he provides the same value in the huddle. Players couldn’t wait to celebrate with the former Crimson Tide after he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 4-yard pass from Case Keenum.

“It’s exciting to see Metchie make those types of plays,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nobody is more fired up than his teammates to see the other receivers and see their genuine excitement when he makes those plays. The entire team, as a whole, is pulling for him to do well. And he did a really nice job today.”

Metchie could struggle to stand out in a loaded receiver room for the impending season. Nico Collins signed a three-year extension this offseason after racking up a team-high 1,297 yards off 80 catches.

Rookie sensation Tank Dell is back after his promising 2023 season ended in Week 13 due to a fractured fibula.

The Texans also brought in four-time Pro Bowl target Stefon Diggs from Buffalo to raise the skillset for reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. He’s going to start after leading the NFL in receptions over the past four years with Buffalo.

For Houston, the question turns to Metchie’s future. Diggs is only on a one-year deal after the franchise voids the last three years of his contract. If he exceeds expectations, he’ll command top dollar on the market, thus forcing his way out of Houston’s price range.

The Texans also have to assume Metchie is the No. 4 receiver if they elect to cease all trade talks. Right now, that part feels logical since he finished the preseason with 10 catches for 100 yards and a score.

Where does Noah Brown fit in the equation?

Where does Robert Woods factor in if he makes the active roster?

Also, do the Texans expect Metchie to remain the same player once the regular season rolls around? If not, why not trade him when the value has reached its peak?

The Texans would feel content about their receiver room if they moved on from Metchie, but it would have to be for the right price. Until that happens, expect Metchie to remain in Houston as the team prepares for Indianapolis.