What does Texans’ reported interest in trading down mean for Panthers?

If the Texans are really looking to trade down from the No. 2 pick, have they resigned to the speculation that Bryce Young will be the choice for the Panthers atop the 2023 draft?

The Houston Texans may be resigned to the fact that the Carolina Panthers are getting their guy . . . who is also their guy.

On Monday, Texans general manager Nick Caserio (who’s not leaving) held his pre-draft press conference—one in which he addressed the uncertain state of the No. 2 overall pick. When asked if he’s “open for business” in regards to the selection, Caserio said that he is indeed “listening.”

Now, why would a quarterback-needy team be willing to back away from the second spot with a handful of potent passing prospects to choose from? Well, it may be because they only truly want one—the one the Panthers are seemingly prepared to draft.

Last week, Houston-based draft analyst Lance Zierlein—who undoubtedly has some credible connections within that organization—said he believes that the Texans very much prefer Young over the field. But he also noted on ESPN 97.5 Houston’s The Bench that they’d be unable to get the Alabama star because the Panthers are already locked in on him.

Then, after Caserio’s presser, Zierlein hit his Twitter replies with the following information this afternoon:

So, is this Houston waving the white flag on their aspirations for Young? Do they get the feeling that Carolina is set on selecting the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and are now looking elsewhere?

Maybe this’ll help . . .

We’ll find out for sure in 10 (long) days.

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