A Look At The Texans’ Offseason Capital

The 2021 NFL season is far from over. The final game has yet to be played. The Super Bowl will feature the Cincinnatti Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, while the other 30 teams dream of their chance to fly into the sun just like those two conference champs. While the Bengals and Rams prepare for the BIGGEST game, their peers are preparing for free agency to open and continuing their scouting process in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft.

ESPN recently ranked each team by resource capital entering the 2022 NFL offseason. Your Houston Texans rank sixth. This is what they had to say:

6. Houston Texans

Draft capital AV sum: 118.8

First-round pick: No. 3

Current cap space: $20.7 million

The Texans have the No. 3 overall pick and should have an extra selection in the third round after trading cornerback Bradley Roby to the Saints. The biggest question for the Texans is whether they will gain any additional 2022 assets by trading quarterback Deshaun Watson, a move that could elevate them to the top of this list. Watson is a top-tier QB and requested a trade, but he has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior in 22 active lawsuits.

The Texans have their first round pick after losing it the last two seasons thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade. Now, the Texans have a potential Tunsil trade and a potential Deshaun Watson trade in their pocket; either move would increase their draft capital. Houston could, and should, have four selections in the top fifty picks this year. Their cap space is limited by the restructures Nick Caserio made last season. This year should be another season of austerity before being able to really let it fly in 2023. Get ready for more one-year contracts.

Unlike last year, when the Texans had a relatively boring offseason, the Texans have draft capital, trades to make, and a little more cap flexibility. It should be an offseason unlike any other.