ESPN Insider Says Texans Could Trade Veteran Wideout

Wide receivers are a hot commodity in today’s NFL, and the Houston Texans have an abundance of riches at the position. Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell form one of the best trios in the game, leaving guys like John Metchie, Noah Brown, and Robert Woods with no opportunity to see the field. With every team in the league looking for more reliable pass catchers, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes that the Texans could trade longtime veteran Robert Woods if they received the right offer.

In his article, Barnwell states that Robert Woods will probably be “the odd man out” and that Houston will look to trade or release him. The ESPN analyst goes on to note that Woods carries a $6.3 million base salary but only $1.3 million in guarantees. That’s a good amount of savings, which means Houston has every reason to part ways with the veteran.

Barnwell: Texans Could Trade Robert Woods

Robert Woods was never a superstar, but the trade candidate used to be one of the more reliable WR2’s in the game. After starting his career with the Buffalo Bills, the former second-round pick flourished with the Los Angeles Rams. As a crucial part of Sean McVay’s offense, the wide receiver averaged just under 1,200 yards per season from 2018 to 2019 and remained a vital part of the passing attack in 2020 and early 2021. However, Woods tore his ACL midway through the 2021 campaign and never recaptured his old form.

Woods spent the 2022 season with the Tennesee Titans, recording 53 receptions for 527 yards and two touchdowns on a wide-open depth chart. His production dropped in 2023, as he finished his inaugural season on the Texans with just 40 receptions for 426 yards and one touchdown. Nobody will give up much for Robert Woods as he enters his age-32 season, but somebody might be willing to trade a late-round pick for his services.

Possible Destinations

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs could use another wide receiver but might not find many willing trade partners. As back-to-back Super Bowl champions, nobody wants to make it easier for Kansas City to win their third consecutive Lombardi Trophy. The Bills refused to trade Stefon Diggs to the Chiefs, and teams could take the same stance for top players like DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, and Tee Higgins. Robert Woods, however, is nothing more than depth, and Houston should be willing to trade him if the Chiefs are the highest bidder.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are going with quantity rather than quality at the wide receiver position. After parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the team selected three wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed DJ Chark to a one-year deal. Perhaps a few of these players work out, but they should add another body to this room. Robert Woods might not be the player he once was, but the trade candidate should be able to compete with Cornelius Johnson and Brenden Rice for a depth role.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are doing everything they can do bring in more help for Russell Wilson. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has not had much success trying to trade for big-name players like Metcalf and Sutton, so they could pivot to Robert Woods. Woods isn’t the top player on anyone’s wish list, but he can provide a reliable set of hands and the third or fourth option in this offense. Seeing as Pittsburgh plays in arguably the most competitive division in football, they could use as much as they can get to keep up with the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints need another wide receiver and don’t have the cap space to trade for anyone better than Robert Woods. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are a reliable duo, and a great quarterback would be able to get by with these two. Unfortunately, Derek Carr is only as good as the pieces around him, and with a questionable offensive line, this team must fortify the wide receiver position if they want to return to the playoffs for the first time since Drew Brees roamed the field.

Baltimore Ravens

Last year, the Ravens bet a former Los Angeles Ram could recapture his old form with Lamar Jackson. That wager somewhat paid off, as Odell Beckham had a decent season during his lone campaign with the Baltimore Ravens. Fast forward a year and this team could make a similar gamble with a Robert Woods trade. Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers can be the top options in this offense, but Baltimore should find another receiver in case Rashod Bateman can’t bounce back from his unproductive 2023. Woods is a fine backup plan who won’t keep Bateman or rookie Devontez Walker off the field if they earn playing time.