General manager Nick Caserio has signed Ben Skowronek from the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Thursday, May 9.
According to the Rams’ official X account, Los Angeles traded Skowronek and a 2026 7th-round selection for Houston’s 2026 6th-round pick.
Skowronek, who will be 27 in June, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after being taken by the Rams in Round 7 of the 2021 draft out of Notre Dame.
Skowronek was a rookie on the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2021, playing a then-career-high 46 snaps after O’dell Beckham Jr. tore his ACL and exited the 23-20 triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals in the second quarter.
What Ben Skowronek Contributes to the Texans
Skowronek, listed at 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds, is a large receiver who failed to see the field in Los Angeles. That should come as no surprise given the presence of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell on the Rams’ roster.
With the Rams using a sixth-round pick on wide receiver Jordan Whittington out of Texas in the draft this offseason, Skowronek’s path to playing time in Los Angeles for the 2024 season is undoubtedly dubious.
While Skowronek may have struggled to find snaps with the Rams, he can help fill some of Houston’s special teams void in free agency while also providing depth at wide receiver.
According to Pro Football Focus, Skowronek also played fullback and tight end on occasion while with the Rams. Neither of those are imminent needs for the Texans, since Dalton Schultz and Andrew Beck are already in place, but it never hurts to provide positional versatility to keep a defence on its toes.
This has not gone unnoticed by fans and onlookers, who have instantly taken to social media to express their thoughts on Skowronek’s fit with the Texans, initially as a receiver.
Also as a fullback.
Furthermore, following three seasons of playing in Sean McVay’s offence, it should be easy to understand the system utilized by Houston offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Slowik and McVay both spent multiple seasons working for Kyle Shanahan and have very comparable systems.
That should allow for a quick and relatively seamless transfer for Skowronek, with the most difficult challenge maybe developing chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud.
What This Trade Means for Other Texan Receivers
Houston’s front three receivers are Collins, Dell, and Diggs, and the addition of Skowronek makes no difference. However, it could mark the end of Robert Woods’ time with the Texans.
Woods turned 32 during this offseason and is no longer the same threat he was. He has not had more than 556 receiving yards in a season since 2020, when he caught 90 catches for 936 yards and six touchdowns.
With a catch percentage of 53.3% in 2023, the second lowest of his career and the lowest since his rookie season in 2013, the writing is on the wall for Woods.
However, the ultimate nail in Woods’ coffin will most likely be the cost. According to OverTheCap.com, Woods’ salary cap hit for the 2024 season will be $9.7 million. That is a huge cap impact for a receiver who is unlikely to rank higher than fourth on the depth chart and contributes little to special teams.
The Texans can save $4.95 million in salary space in 2024 by releasing Woods, and the question now appears to be when, not if, the team will make the move.
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