The Houston Texans were one of the NFL’s most surprising teams in 2023. Quarterback CJ Stroud won Offensive Rookie of the Year with a 63.9% completion rate, 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. DeMeco Ryans, who led the Texans to a 10-7 record and the AFC South division title, was runner-up for NFL Coach of the Year.
In 2023, the Houston Texans saw two young wide receivers break out.
The Texans also featured a pair of explosive wide receivers that made their offence difficult to slow down. Nico Collins, who had 70 receptions for 927 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, broke out in 2023 with 80 grabs, 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Tank Dell was having a fantastic rookie season of his own, with 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns, before being sidelined for the season with a broken leg.
Aside from Collins and Dell, the Texans had two wide receivers with over 400 yards receiving in 2023. These would be Noah Brown (567) and Robert Woods (426). Brown had a really successful debut season. For Woods, however, it was the poorest statistical season of his career. If the offence is to move forward, they will require an improvement.
Could the Houston Texans part ways with wide receiver Robert Woods?
Since 2018, Woods’ receiving yards total has fallen year after year:
2018- 1,219
2019- 1.134 2020- 936
2021- 556
2022- 527
2023- 426
The pattern here is clear: Woods is in decline. In 2024, he will be 32 years old, with a history of ailments. The Texans may also save $5 million on their salary cap by releasing him.
Whether or not Houston decides to break ways with Woods, it is evident that they should not expect him to be one of their top four wide receivers going ahead.
The Houston Texans were named as a possible trade destination for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is not happy. Aiyuk’s girlfriend published a statement on social media after the 49ers lost the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, implying that the Second Team All Pro would not be back with the team last season. Aiyuk himself sent a mysterious message, leaving many people wondering what the future holds for him.
Because of these occurrences, many people assume Aiyuk will demand a trade. Although he is still on his rookie contract, the 49ers have exercised his fifth-year option, he may still leave the team.While the Texans have two great young pass catchers in Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Aiyuk has the potential to immediately take over as the team’s top receiver.
“Houston would likely have an easier chance than Arizona acquiring Aiyuk at a low cost because San Francisco would be trading him out of the conference. With $65.4 million in expected cap space and both Collins and Dell on rookie contracts, the Texans could afford to offer Aiyuk a top-tier contract.
“The Texans traded their 2024 first-round pick to Arizona for pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. in last year’s draft, but they still have the Cleveland Browns’ 23rd overall pick from the Deshaun Watson trade.
“Houston might find an elite No. 1 receiver with that pick, but it isn’t going to find a talent as proven as Aiyuk, who topped 1,300 receiving yards in 2023.”
According to Knox, the Texans might give up a 2024 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick to complete the trade.
With $64 million in salary cap space, the Texans could also afford to give Aiyuk a good extension, something the 49ers would almost surely be unable to do.
A wide receiving room with Aiyuk, Collins, and Dell could be among the greatest in the NFL.
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