Houston Texans

The Arizona Cardinals agreed to trade Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Houston Texans on October 11, 2026. Arizona receives Houston's 2027 second-round and sixth-round picks. The trade reunites Harrison with former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud while giving Arizona additional draft capital for a player who had just five receptions in four games this season.

Houston acquired offensive tackle Nathan Thomas from Dallas for a 2027 seventh-round pick on August 30, 2026. Thomas had already appeared in all 17 games in 2025 and made four starts, giving the Texans inexpensive swing-tackle experience for the cost of a late Day 3 selection. Houston gets the current-read edge because usable offensive-line depth is difficult to find this late in the preseason.

San Francisco acquired interior offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson from Houston for a 2027 seventh-round pick on August 30, 2026. Patterson brought starting experience at center and guard at a moment when the 49ers were searching for interior depth. Houston recovered a late pick while reshaping its line, but San Francisco gets the current-read edge because a seventh is a small price for an experienced, versatile blocker.

Houston acquired Kayshon Boutte from New England on August 24, 2026 for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick. The Texans moved quickly after Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending ACL tear, adding a 24-year-old outside receiver who caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 and averaged 16.7 yards per reception.

Houston Texans received 2026 4th round pick (123rd overall, Wade Woodaz) and 2026 6th round pick (204th overall, Lewis Bond) in the 2026-04-25 exchange with Los Angeles Chargers. Wade Woodaz and Lewis Bond likewise remain at the beginning of their NFL careers, so Houston's return is still unresolved in performance terms. The direct package, rather than later movement of any acquired asset, is the basis for the hindsight judgment. Against what Houston Texans surrendered, the result supports Even Trade.

Houston moved from No. 38 to No. 36 in the 2026 draft and selected Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, while also receiving No. 117. Las Vegas dropped only two spots, still landed safety Treydan Stukes, and gained No. 91 for guard Trey Zuhn III. Before regular-season results exist, both teams can reasonably like the value they created.

Houston moved from No. 28 to No. 26 in the 2026 first round, sending Buffalo picks 28, 69 and 167 for picks 26 and 91. The Texans used No. 26 on guard Keylan Rutledge, while Buffalo quickly moved No. 28 again and continued reshaping its draft capital. With the rookie class still awaiting regular-season results, neither side has earned a meaningful historical edge.

Houston moved from No. 28 to No. 26 and also received No. 91, sending Buffalo picks 28, 69 and 167. The Texans used No. 26 on Keylan Rutledge, prioritizing a specific first-round target, while Buffalo accumulated extra Day 2 and Day 3 value. Houston gets the slight early edge only because it secured its preferred player; the broader draft-value exchange gave Buffalo several chances to outperform it.

Houston acquired Marte Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round pick from New England for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Mapu's Texans tenure is only beginning, and neither future selection has been used yet. That leaves both sides with identifiable but largely unrealized value. With the player sample and both draft branches still unresolved, Houston and New England each receive C+ and the trade is Even.

New Orleans traded punter Kai Kroeger and its 2028 seventh-round pick to Houston for the Texans' 2028 sixth-round pick in March 2026. Kroeger had punted in all 17 Saints games as a rookie, averaging 44.8 yards with 18 punts inside the 20. New Orleans moved up one late round while Houston filled a specialist vacancy at a modest cost.

Cleveland acquired veteran tackle Tytus Howard for the 2026 fifth-round pick Houston used at No. 141 on safety Kamari Ramsey. One regular-season game has been played since the trade: Howard started at right tackle for the Browns, while Ramsey appeared for Houston without a start and logged only a minimal defensive role. Both assets are active and the sample is far too small for settled hindsight, so this checkpoint is graded Even Trade at C-plus.

Cleveland acquired tackle Cam Robinson and Houston's 2027 seventh-round pick on September 29, 2025 for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Robinson immediately filled an injury-created need and appeared in 13 games with 12 starts for the Browns, logging 696 offensive snaps and four Approximate Value. With the two draft choices still unresolved until 2027, Cleveland holds the current-read advantage because it already received a season of starting tackle play while moving down only one late round.

Houston moved Austin Deculus to Los Angeles for a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick that ultimately conveyed. Deculus gave the Chargers 13 games and five starts in 2025, then departed for Tennessee in free agency. Houston now owns a real seventh-round asset, but its football outcome cannot be judged before the 2027 draft. With tangible but limited value on one side and unresolved future value on the other, the deal remains even for now.

Houston traded John Metchie III and a 2026 sixth-rounder to Philadelphia for Harrison Bryant and a 2026 fifth-rounder. The teams were effectively returning draft choices they had exchanged in an earlier deal. Houston improved its draft position and added an experienced tight end, while Philadelphia gained receiver depth and later recycled Metchie in the Michael Carter II trade.

Denver moved down in the 2025 sixth round, sending pick 197 to Houston for picks 216 and 241. The Texans selected quarterback Graham Mertz at 197, while Denver chose punter Jeremy Crawshaw at 216 and tight end Caleb Lohner at 241. With only a limited professional sample available from these players, the exchange remains too young for a meaningful hindsight winner and is best graded evenly.

Houston moved up with Miami on April 26, 2025, receiving No. 116, used on running back Woody Marks, and No. 224, used on defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton. Miami received No. 179, used on Ollie Gordon II, plus Houston's 2026 third-rounder. Marks immediately delivered the strongest rookie production in the package, giving Houston the early edge.

Houston moved up from No. 58 to No. 48 in the 2025 second round for tackle Aireontae Ersery, sending Las Vegas picks 58 and 99. Ersery immediately started all 16 games he played as a rookie and both playoff games. The Raiders used No. 58 on receiver Jack Bech and No. 99 on tackle Charles Grant, giving both clubs useful young players.

Minnesota moved from No. 97 to No. 102 in the 2025 third round and also moved from No. 187 to No. 142, selecting receiver Tai Felton while Houston selected cornerback Jaylin Smith. The two clubs essentially exchanged small pockets of draft position across two rounds. Neither side has created enough separation yet to justify more than an even verdict.

New York traded back into the first round on April 24, 2025, sending Houston picks No. 34 and No. 99 plus a 2026 third-round selection for No. 25. The Giants used No. 25 on quarterback Jaxson Dart. Through New York's first two games of 2026, Dart had started 14 of 16 career games, throwing for 2,522 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions while adding 541 rushing yards and nine scores. The early return is substantial, but the trade is still young.

Cleveland sent three late 2025 selections to Houston for pick No. 166 and a 2027 fifth-round choice. Houston's package eventually included the rights associated with Ollie Gordon, Jeremy Crawshaw and Luke Lachey, while Cleveland's 2025 pick was subsequently moved. The future fifth remains unresolved, preventing a definitive hindsight winner. With both clubs still holding plausible value paths, an even C+/C+ grade is the responsible call.

Houston acquired guard Ed Ingram from Minnesota for a 2026 sixth-round pick after he had lost his Vikings starting job. Ingram rebounded to start 14 regular-season games and both Texans playoff games in 2025, then earned a three-year extension. Minnesota moved the acquired sixth-rounder in the Jordan Mason trade and later reacquired the same draft slot at additional cost, strengthening Houston's side.

Houston acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round choice from Philadelphia for Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round choice. Gardner-Johnson started the Texans' first three games and made 15 tackles before Houston released him. Green also failed to stick in Philadelphia, so neither veteran became a lasting centerpiece and the one-round draft-position difference keeps the return close.

Washington acquired five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick from Houston for a third, seventh, 2026 second and 2026 fourth. Tunsil immediately stabilized the left side, earning an 88.9 pass-blocking grade while allowing only a handful of pressures and later signing an extension. Houston received substantial draft capital, keeping the overall exchange close.

Houston acquired veteran receiver Christian Kirk from Jacksonville for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The price was minimal for an experienced target, and Kirk contributed to a Texans offense that needed veteran help around C.J. Stroud. Jacksonville gained cap flexibility and at least converted an expected departure into draft capital, but the realized football value favored Houston.

Minnesota reacquired running back Cam Akers from Houston on October 15, 2024, with a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, sending a conditional 2026 sixth-rounder to the Texans. Akers played 12 regular-season games for Minnesota and rushed for 297 yards while providing needed backfield depth. With the eventual pick movement amounting to a one-round difference, the Vikings received the better practical return.

Los Angeles traded wide receiver Ben Skowronek and its 2026 seventh-round pick to Houston for the Texans' 2026 sixth-round pick on May 9, 2024. Houston waived Skowronek before the 2024 regular season, so the Rams moved a player they were reportedly prepared to release and improved their future draft position by one round without surrendering realized on-field production to the Texans.

Houston moved up four spots in the 2024 fourth round, sending No. 127 and a 2025 fifth-rounder to Philadelphia for No. 123. The Texans selected tight end Cade Stover; the Eagles selected running back Will Shipley at No. 127 and later linebacker Smael Mondon at No. 161. All three became roster contributors, giving Philadelphia a modest quantity advantage.

Buffalo traded Stefon Diggs, the 2024 No. 189 pick and a 2025 fifth-round choice to Houston for Minnesota's 2025 second-round pick. That second-rounder became No. 56 overall and was one of three selections Buffalo sent to Chicago to move up for defensive tackle T.J. Sanders while also acquiring picks 72 and 240. The Bills therefore converted Diggs and two later picks into premium 2025 draft capital that helped reshape their defensive class.

Minnesota acquired Houston's 2024 first-round pick at No. 23 plus No. 232, while Houston received Nos. 42 and 188 in 2024 plus Minnesota's 2025 second-rounder. The Texans turned No. 42 into starting corner Kamari Lassiter, while Minnesota later used No. 23 as the centerpiece of its move up for Dallas Turner and drafted Levi Drake Rodriguez at No. 232. Houston holds the early edge.

Cincinnati traded running back Joe Mixon to Houston on March 13, 2024, for a seventh-round pick, No. 224 overall, that became safety Daijahn Anthony. Anthony has served primarily as a reserve and special-teams player. Mixon immediately topped 1,000 rushing yards for Houston and scored 12 total touchdowns in 2024, giving the Texans the substantially stronger early return.

Houston Texans received Kendrick Green in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Kendrick Green gave Houston 21 games and four starts, providing real but modest offensive-line value after the trade. Against Pittsburgh Steelers' return of 2025 6th round pick (202nd overall subsequently traded, Gavin Bartholomew), that outcome supports a C+ grade. The transaction is judged as Pittsburgh Steelers Win, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.

Arizona traded reserve tackle Josh Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2024 fifth-round selection. The Cardinals used No. 162 on tackle Christian Jones, improving their draft position while moving a veteran outside their long-term plans. Houston received immediate offensive-line depth from Josh Jones and also retained the seventh-round component of the exchange.

Houston moved from picks Nos. 174 and 259 to No. 167 and selected linebacker Henry To'oTo'o. He became a regular starter, reaching 35 starts and roughly 250 tackles through his first three seasons. The Rams used the acquired selections on Warren McClendon and Desjuan Johnson, who both supplied useful depth. Los Angeles received two contributors, but To'oTo'o's sustained starting role gives Houston the modest win.

Buffalo received No. 230 in 2023 plus a 2024 sixth-round selection. Nick Broeker did not create lasting Bills value, and the future sixth was later moved again before another club used it. Buffalo preserved draft capital in the exchange, but the direct return did not produce a contributor comparable to the player Houston selected after moving up.

Philadelphia sent Houston a 2024 third-round pick for No. 105 in the 2023 draft and selected cornerback Kelee Ringo. Ringo played all 51 regular-season games over his first three seasons with eight starts, an interception and five passes defensed. Houston preserved the higher future draft asset, which became pick No. 86 before another trade. The direct exchange produced legitimate value for both sides and remains essentially even.

Las Vegas moved up five spots to No. 104 and also received No. 203, selecting Jakorian Bennett and Amari Burney. Houston used No. 109 on Dylan Horton and later moved the No. 174 pick in another draft trade. Bennett started 11 games for the Raiders, while Horton developed into a regular rotational defender. Both teams extracted useful but non-premium value, making the exchange essentially balanced.

Philadelphia sent pick No. 62 to Houston for Nos. 65, 188 and 230. Houston selected center Juice Scruggs, who made 20 starts over his first three seasons. Philadelphia used No. 65 on Tyler Steen and No. 188 on Tanner McKee; Steen became a 17-game starter in 2025 and McKee provided credible backup-quarterback play. Both teams found useful players, but Philadelphia's two enduring pieces create the stronger aggregate return.

Los Angeles sent picks No. 69 and No. 191 to Houston on April 28, 2023 for Nos. 73 and 161. The Rams then flipped No. 73 to New York for Nos. 89 and 128, selecting Kobie Turner and Stetson Bennett, while No. 161 became Nick Hampton. Turner had 24 sacks through Week 2 of 2026 and is the centerpiece of a strong Rams return.

Houston paid a premium to move from No. 12 to No. 3 for Will Anderson Jr., sending Arizona additional 2023 and 2024 premium picks. Anderson has 30 sacks in three seasons, won 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year, earned 2025 first-team All-Pro honors and received a major extension. Arizona converted its return into several young pieces, including Darius Robinson, but none has matched Anderson’s impact. Hindsight now favors Houston despite the original price.

Dallas acquired Brandin Cooks from Houston for a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-rounder. Over two Cowboys seasons, Cooks caught 80 passes for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns in 26 games, including eight scores in 2023. He left for New Orleans in 2025, but Dallas still received useful veteran production for two late picks while Houston gained rebuilding flexibility.

Houston acquired veteran guard Shaq Mason and a 2023 seventh-round pick from Tampa Bay for the 179th selection. Mason immediately started all 17 games in 2023 and ultimately made 32 starts for the Texans across two seasons. Tampa Bay later sent pick No. 179 to Green Bay while moving up for Cody Mauch. The Buccaneers preserved draft value, but Mason's two seasons of starting play give Houston the win.

Minnesota acquired defensive lineman Ross Blacklock and a 2023 seventh-round pick from Houston on August 30, 2022, sending a 2023 sixth-round selection in return. Blacklock played one season for the Vikings before being released. Houston’s acquired pick became No. 201, Jarrett Patterson, while Minnesota later moved the seventh-rounder in another trade.

Chicago received both No. 166 and No. 207. The Bears later converted No. 166 into additional draft value and used No. 207 on Doug Kramer, so the complete two-pick package gave Chicago the stronger aggregate return. That outcome supports a B grade within the Chicago Bears Win verdict. The grade reflects realized football value rather than the size of the original package.

Cleveland moved out of the 44th pick in the 2022 draft and received Nos. 68, 108 and 124 from Houston. Those selections became Martin Emerson Jr., Perrion Winfrey and Cade York, while Houston used No. 44 on John Metchie III. Emerson developed into the most valuable player produced by the exchange, giving Cleveland the stronger long-term return despite misses elsewhere in the package.

Houston moved up five spots in the 2022 third round, receiving pick No. 75 from Denver and selecting linebacker Christian Harris. The Broncos received Nos. 80 and 162, which became tight end Greg Dulcich and returner Montrell Washington. Harris developed into a regular starter on Houston's defense and contributed during the Texans' return to the playoffs, while Denver received only limited long-term value from its two selections.

Philadelphia sent picks 15, 124, 162 and 166 to Houston to move up two spots for Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis at No. 13. Houston selected guard Kenyon Green at No. 15 and moved the later picks in additional draft-day deals. Davis developed into a durable starting piece on Philadelphia's defensive front, while Green's early career was less stable, giving the Eagles the stronger directly attributable return.

Houston Texans received 2022 5th round pick (170th overall, Teagan Quitoriano) in the 2022-04-25 exchange with New England Patriots. Teagan Quitoriano provided some tight-end snaps for Houston, but not enough to create a clear long-term advantage. The direct package, rather than later movement of any acquired asset, is the basis for the hindsight judgment. Against what Houston Texans surrendered, the result supports Even Trade.

Cleveland's trade for Deshaun Watson became one of the most damaging modern blockbuster deals. The Browns surrendered a massive pick package and handed Watson a fully guaranteed contract, while Houston escaped the situation and rebuilt with premium assets. The Texans won decisively because Cleveland absorbed nearly all of the risk. It is one of the clearest modern examples of a team paying franchise-quarterback prices without receiving franchise-quarterback stability.

Houston acquired linebacker Blake Cashman from the Jets in March 2022 for a 2023 sixth-round pick. Cashman became a useful Texans defender and eventually a full-time starter, delivering a strong final season in Houston before leaving in free agency. New York received modest late-round capital for a player who had struggled to stay healthy, but Houston extracted starting-caliber production from a very small acquisition cost.

Houston sent Charles Omenihu to San Francisco at the 2021 trade deadline for a 2023 sixth-round pick that became No. 207. The Texans secured future draft capital for a player they were willing to move, but they later traded that selection, so Anders Carlson was not Houston's direct return. Omenihu's useful 49ers production gives San Francisco the stronger hindsight result.

New Orleans reacquired Mark Ingram from Houston for a future seventh-round pick, bringing back a franchise favorite at minimal cost. Ingram rushed for 260 yards and caught 20 passes for 138 yards in seven Saints games in 2021 while becoming the franchise's career rushing leader. Houston eventually used the 2024 pick on Solomon Byrd, who appeared in one game as a rookie. The Saints received more useful football value.

New Orleans acquired cornerback Bradley Roby from Houston in September 2021, sending the Texans a 2022 third-round pick and a 2023 sixth-rounder. Roby gave the Saints experienced secondary help, but the stay was relatively short. Houston recovered two future selections, including a day-two pick, for a veteran on a rebuilding roster. The amount and flexibility of that draft return give the Texans the edge.

Houston Texans received 2022 6th round pick (207th overall subsequently traded, Doug Kramer) in the exchange with New York Jets. The return is graded C+ after weighing the transaction cost and the practical value visible in hindsight. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.

Houston traded cornerback John Reid to Seattle on August 24, 2021, for a conditional 2023 seventh-round selection. The condition was not met, so Houston never received the pick. Reid nevertheless appeared in eleven games and made two starts for Seattle that season, leaving the Texans without compensation while the Seahawks obtained usable secondary depth at no realized draft cost.

Green Bay Packers received 2022 7th round pick (228th overall, Tariq Carpenter). Green Bay used the seventh-round choice on Tariq Carpenter, who appeared in 14 games as a rookie and contributed on special teams. That result supports a C+ grade for Green Bay Packers. The final verdict is Green Bay Packers Win, based on the documented service, durability, and value each club actually obtained from this exchange.

Houston Texans received 2023 6th round pick (203rd overall subsequently traded, Amari Burney) in the 2021-08-16 exchange involving New York Giants. Houston retained a sixth-round draft asset for a depth player, giving the Texans future roster-building flexibility without surrendering a core contributor. That realized return supports a C+ grade for Houston Texans. The overall verdict is Even Trade, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.

Green Bay reacquired Randall Cobb from Houston for a 2022 sixth-round pick at Aaron Rodgers' urging. Cobb caught 28 passes for 375 yards and five touchdowns in 2021, then 34 for 417 yards in 2022, contributing to a 13-win season and another playoff appearance. Houston used pick No. 205 on tackle Austin Deculus, who became depth rather than a long-term starter. For a sixth-round cost, the Packers received two useful veteran seasons and won comfortably.

Chicago sent Anthony Miller and a 2022 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2022 fifth-round selection. The Bears later traded that No. 148 pick to Buffalo for Nos. 168 and 203, using No. 168 on tackle Braxton Jones. Jones became the most meaningful downstream asset from the transaction, giving Chicago the stronger long-term return from moving Miller.

Buffalo Bills received 2021 6th round pick (203rd overall, Marquez Stevenson) and 2021 6th round pick (212th overall, Damar Hamlin) from Houston Texans. Buffalo turned its two sixth-round selections into Marquez Stevenson and Damar Hamlin. Hamlin developed into a multi-year safety contributor, creating the strongest durable return produced by the original pick swap. That outcome supports a B+ grade for Buffalo Bills when the trade is measured by the football value actually realized after the exchange.

Los Angeles moved down four spots in the fifth round on May 1, 2021, sending Houston pick No. 170 for Nos. 174 and 233. The Rams selected defensive lineman Earnest Brown IV and running back Jake Funk. Brown appeared in 12 Rams regular-season games with three starts and 14 tackles across 2022-23, while Funk appeared in 15 Rams games across 2021-22 and had two carries for five yards, contributing mainly on special teams. The two-player return produced modest depth rather than a long-term starter.

Houston traded up to No. 89 in the 2021 draft and selected wide receiver Nico Collins, sending Carolina picks 109, 158 and a 2022 fourth-rounder. Carolina gained three bites at the apple and used or moved each piece, but Collins developed into a high-volume, 1,000-yard-caliber receiver and a central part of Houston's offense. That star-level outcome overwhelms Carolina's respectable quantity return.

Cincinnati received No. 202 and selected Chris Evans. Evans provided the Bengals a direct roster return from the sixth-round choice, giving Cincinnati useful value from a relatively small exchange. That outcome supports a B grade within the Cincinnati Bengals Win verdict. The grade reflects realized football value rather than the size of the original package.

Houston Texans received Ryan Izzo in the 2021-03-18 exchange involving New England Patriots. Izzo did not make Houston's regular-season roster in 2021 and was waived at the final cutdown, leaving the Texans without regular-season production from the player they acquired. That realized return supports a D grade for Houston Texans. The overall verdict is New England Patriots Win, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.

Miami acquired linebacker Benardrick McKinney and pick No. 231 from Houston for edge defender Shaq Lawson and pick No. 203. Neither veteran produced regular-season value for his new club, leaving the late-round selections to carry much of the comparison. Miami eventually used No. 231 on tackle Larnel Coleman, giving the Dolphins at least one realized player return from the exchange.

Houston acquired Marcus Cannon plus 2021 picks No. 158 and No. 195 from New England for picks No. 122 and No. 188. Cannon is a separate direct player asset, and later pick movement must remain downstream provenance. The Texans gained a veteran tackle and draft capital, while New England retained meaningful selections, leaving the trade close to balanced in hindsight.

Dallas Cowboys Dallas acquired defensive lineman Eli Ankou as short-term depth. His contribution was limited, but he gave the Cowboys an immediate roster option during the 2020 season. The supported hindsight grade is C. That mark weighs only value tied directly to this transaction and keeps the result proportional to the deal's cost. Against Houston Texans, the final verdict is Even Trade.

Houston Texans received 2021 6th round pick (212th overall subsequently traded, Damar Hamlin) from New Orleans Saints, sending 2020 7th round pick (240th overall, Tommy Stevens) the other way. The Texans retained useful follow-on trade value, while New Orleans received little from Stevens, favoring Houston. That outcome supports a B- grade for Houston Texans, and the overall verdict is Houston Texans Win.

Miami sent Houston picks No. 136 and No. 141 to move up to No. 111 for guard Solomon Kindley. Kindley started 13 games as a rookie but did not become a long-term Dolphins starter. Houston used No. 141 on John Reid and packaged No. 136 in another trade that moved the Texans to No. 126 for tackle Charlie Heck. That downstream flexibility produced the stronger overall return.

Houston moved up 10 spots in the fourth round on April 25, 2020, sending picks No. 136, No. 248 and No. 250 to Los Angeles for No. 126. The Texans selected North Carolina tackle Charlie Heck, who became a four-year Houston contributor with 41 games and 21 starts. The Rams turned their three selections into Brycen Hopkins, Sam Sloman and Tremayne Anchrum, receiving depth across three roster spots and a notable Super Bowl contribution from Hopkins.

Los Angeles sent Brandin Cooks and a 2022 fourth-round pick to Houston for the No. 57 selection in the 2020 draft, which became wide receiver Van Jefferson. Cooks gave the Texans two 1,000-yard seasons before another trade, while Jefferson became a regular contributor for the Rams and topped 800 yards during their Super Bowl LVI championship season. Both clubs realized meaningful value.

Arizona's trade for DeAndre Hopkins became one of the most lopsided modern NFL deals. The Cardinals acquired an elite wide receiver and a fourth-round pick while sending David Johnson and draft compensation to Houston. Hopkins immediately gave Arizona a true No. 1 target. Houston's return never came close. The trade still stands out because Arizona landed the best player in the deal without paying anything close to a normal superstar price.

Houston acquired Gareon Conley for a 2020 third-round pick during a 2019 playoff push. Conley immediately started in an injury-hit secondary and appeared in the postseason, but his Texans tenure was short and injuries prevented a lasting return. The Raiders later used the acquired pick as part of a trade-down that generated three selections, giving Las Vegas more durable roster value.

Miami's Laremy Tunsil trade became one of the most valuable asset hauls of the modern era. Houston acquired a legitimate franchise left tackle and protected Deshaun Watson, so the Texans' side was not empty. But Miami extracted a massive premium, gained roster-building flexibility, and turned one elite tackle into the kind of pick package that can reshape a franchise. The verdict remains clear.

Seattle acquired Jadeveon Clowney from Houston for Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo and a 2020 third-round pick. Clowney played one season for the Seahawks, recording only three regular-season sacks but creating disruption beyond the sack total and producing a dominant playoff performance in Philadelphia. He left in free agency the next offseason. The short rental helped an 11-win playoff team, but Houston received more usable value than the original C grade implies.

Houston acquired running back Carlos Hyde from Kansas City for offensive lineman Martinas Rankin just before the 2019 season. Hyde responded with the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career, carrying 245 times for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns. Rankin supplied Kansas City with useful line depth and five starts during the Chiefs' championship season, but Houston received the larger immediate football return.

Houston Texans received Keion Crossen. Keion Crossen gave Houston two full seasons of defensive and special-teams work, including multiple starts in 2020, producing the more durable contribution. That result supports a B- grade for Houston Texans. The final verdict is Houston Texans Win, based on the documented service, durability, and value each club actually obtained from this exchange.

Cleveland Browns received 2020 3rd round pick (97th overall, Jacob Phillips) in the 2019-08-08 exchange, while Houston Texans received Duke Johnson. Cleveland received a conditional 2020 selection that escalated to the third round and ultimately became No. 97, Jacob Phillips. The pick was meaningful capital, but Phillips had a limited Browns career and did not match Houston’s realized player value.

Denver sent Demaryius Thomas and a 2019 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2019 fourth-round pick and another seventh-round pick. Houston acquired Demaryius Thomas during an 11-win season, but he played only seven regular-season games for the Texans before an Achilles injury ended his year; the club released him the following February. Denver obtained a fourth-round pick while only exchanging seventh-round positions. For an aging receiver nearing the end of his contract, that return was strong and gives Denver the clear value edge.

Seattle sent a 2018 third-rounder and 2019 second-rounder to Houston for Duane Brown and a 2018 fifth-round pick. Brown immediately stabilized left tackle, earned All-Pro recognition in 2018 and remained Seattle’s starter through 2021; the fifth-rounder became Shaquem Griffin. Houston used the picks on Martinas Rankin and Lonnie Johnson, but neither became a comparable long-term Texans cornerstone. Brown’s premium-position longevity makes this a decisive Seahawks win.

Houston traded up from No. 25 to No. 12 in 2017 for quarterback Deshaun Watson, sending Cleveland the 25th pick plus its 2018 first-rounder. Cleveland turned those selections into Jabrill Peppers and Denzel Ward, with Ward becoming a perennial Pro Bowl cornerback. Watson became a three-time Pro Bowler in Houston, led the NFL in passing yards in 2020, and later generated an enormous trade return for the Texans.

Cleveland Browns received Brock Osweiler; 2017 6th round pick (188th overall; subsequently traded by Cleveland); 2018 2nd round pick (35th overall, Nick Chubb) in the 2017-03-09 exchange with Houston Texans. Cleveland absorbed Brock Osweiler's contract and gained premium draft capital, most importantly the 2018 second-round pick used on Nick Chubb. Chubb's elite production transformed the return. The direct return and the football value it produced drive the hindsight judgment. Against the assets Cleveland Browns surrendered, the result supports Cleveland Browns Win and a A- grade for Cleveland Browns.

Atlanta moved down two spots from No. 50 to No. 52 and added Houston's sixth-round pick at No. 195. The Falcons selected linebacker Deion Jones and guard Wes Schweitzer, turning the modest slide into two future starters. Jones became a Pro Bowl defender and a central piece of Atlanta's 2016 Super Bowl team, while Schweitzer developed into a multi-year starter. Houston used No. 50 on center Nick Martin, a solid long-term starter, but Atlanta created more total value.

Houston moved up one spot in the 2016 first round for receiver Will Fuller, giving Washington pick 22 plus a 2017 sixth-rounder. Fuller became a dangerous vertical threat and produced five productive Texans seasons when healthy. Washington selected Josh Doctson at No. 22 and later Robert Davis with the extra pick; neither matched Fuller's impact. Houston clearly won despite Fuller's recurring injuries limiting the ceiling of the move.

Houston sent wide receiver Keshawn Martin and its 2016 sixth-round pick No. 196 to New England for the Patriots' 2016 fifth-round pick No. 166. The Texans used No. 166 on D.J. Reader, who developed into the best long-term NFL player tied directly to the exchange. Martin offered New England short-term depth, but Reader's sustained interior-line value gives Houston the clear hindsight edge.

Houston acquired veteran tackle Chris Clark from Denver for a 2016 seventh-round pick, No. 235. Clark had already started 27 games for the Broncos and immediately gave the Texans experienced swing-tackle depth. The pick later moved before Lac Edwards was selected, so Denver's direct return was draft flexibility rather than that player. Houston received several seasons from a capable offensive lineman for minimal capital, giving the Texans the better outcome.

Cleveland traded pick No. 43 to Houston in the 2015 draft and received Nos. 51, 116 and 195. The Browns used No. 51 on Nate Orchard and No. 195 on Malcolm Johnson, while No. 116 later moved again rather than directly becoming Rodney Gunter for Cleveland. The added volume did not produce a player comparable to Houston linebacker Benardrick McKinney, leaving Cleveland behind in hindsight.

Houston moved up from No. 82 to No. 70 for Arizona State receiver Jaelen Strong, sending New York DeVier Posey plus picks No. 82, 152 and 229. Strong never became the starting receiver Houston hoped to secure, finishing his Texans tenure with limited production. The Jets' return was modest too, but Lorenzo Mauldin provided useful pass-rush snaps and the larger package gave New York more realized value.

Houston Texans and New York Jets completed this exchange on 2015-03-11. Houston received the conditional 2016 sixth-round pick that became No. 195, while New York received Ryan Fitzpatrick. The historical record supports the package and later pick trail. Fitzpatrick delivered substantial starting value for the Jets, supporting a B for New York, C+ for Houston, and a New York Jets Win verdict.

Houston moved Case Keenum back to the Rams for a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick after reclaiming him late in 2014. The return eventually became pick No. 235, which Houston later moved. Los Angeles got the more useful football asset: Keenum started five games in 2015, helped steady the offense late that season, and entered 2016 as the Rams' starter before Jared Goff took over.

Houston acquired quarterback Ryan Mallett from New England on August 31, 2014 for a conditional late-round selection that ultimately became the 2016 seventh-round No. 243 pick. Mallett made several starts for the Texans before his 2015 release. The tenure was brief and uneven, but Houston received actual quarterback use for a very small price, giving the Texans a modest edge.

Atlanta acquired quarterback T.J. Yates from Houston on June 19, 2014 in a straight player-for-player swap for linebacker Akeem Dent. Yates gave the Falcons experienced backup depth behind Matt Ryan but did not become a major contributor in Atlanta. Houston received more sustained defensive use from Dent, so the Falcons come out behind in a sensible low-cost exchange rather than a damaging trade.

Houston moved up to 2014 third-round No. 83 for Louis Nix by sending Philadelphia Nos. 101 and 141, which became Jaylen Watkins and Taylor Hart. Nix never appeared in a regular-season game for Houston, while both Eagles selections provided NFL snaps. Philadelphia did not land stars, but it realized clearly more usable value from the two-pick return.

Oakland acquired Matt Schaub from Houston for a 2014 sixth-round pick, but the veteran quarterback never became the answer the Raiders sought. He appeared in 11 games, attempted only 10 passes, threw for 57 yards and was intercepted twice. Houston used the 181st pick on Alfred Blue, who spent five seasons with the Texans and rushed for 2,407 yards. The sixth-round return became dramatically more valuable than Schaub's Oakland tenure.

Houston Texans received Nate Menkin in the exchange with Philadelphia Eagles. Its C+ grade reflects the practical value of that return relative to the package surrendered and the hindsight result. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.

Houston Texans received 2013 6th round pick (176th overall, David Quessenberry) in the 2013-04-27 exchange with Las Vegas Raiders. David Quessenberry overcame a long interruption and eventually built a substantial NFL career as a versatile offensive lineman, giving Houston meaningful long-term value from the higher selection. The direct return and the football value it produced drive the hindsight judgment. Against the assets Houston Texans surrendered, the result supports Even Trade and a C+ grade for Houston Texans.

St. Louis traded picks No. 184 and No. 198 to Houston on April 27, 2013 to move up to No. 160 and select running back Zac Stacy. Stacy played 27 regular-season games with 17 starts over two Rams seasons, rushing for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 44 catches for 293 yards and another score. His 973-yard rookie season made him the clearest realized value in the exchange before St. Louis traded him to the Jets in 2015.

Chicago received Sherrick McManis; Houston received Tyler Clutts. Chicago acquired Sherrick McManis for Tyler Clutts at the 2012 roster deadline. McManis became a long-tenured Bears special-teams standout and reserve defensive back, while Clutts gave Houston only a brief fullback return. The hindsight grades are B+ for Chicago Bears and C+ for Houston Texans, producing a Chicago Bears Win verdict.

Tampa Bay traded picks 68 and 126 to Houston for picks 58 and 233, then used No. 58 on Lavonte David. David became one of the defining defenders in Buccaneers history, earning All-Pro recognition and helping anchor the Super Bowl LV championship defense. Houston received DeVier Posey and Jared Crick, with Crick developing into a useful starter but neither approaching David's impact. The Buccaneers won the exchange by a wide margin.

Philadelphia acquired veteran linebacker DeMeco Ryans and pick No. 88, which became quarterback Nick Foles, while sending Houston picks No. 76 and No. 99. Ryans immediately stabilized the Eagles' defense, and Foles later returned to lead Philadelphia through its Super Bowl LII championship run. The two incoming assets therefore produced both immediate leadership and a quarterback permanently tied to the franchise's first Super Bowl title.

Washington sent picks No. 127, No. 144 and No. 152 to Houston for Nos. 105 and 178. Washington selected Roy Helu and Aldrick Robinson, receiving productive offensive seasons from both. Houston drafted Roc Carmichael, Shiloh Keo and T.J. Yates, with Yates delivering a rookie playoff victory during the franchise's first postseason appearance.

Houston moved up to pick No. 60 for cornerback Brandon Harris, sending New England picks No. 73 and No. 138. The Patriots selected running back Stevan Ridley and tackle Marcus Cannon. Ridley produced a 1,200-yard rushing season and multiple productive years, while Cannon became a long-term offensive lineman and championship contributor. Harris never established a comparable role in Houston, making this one of New England's strongest move-down outcomes.

Kansas City moved up nine spots in the third round and selected tight end Tony Moeaki, who started 29 games in two healthy Chiefs seasons and caught 80 passes for 1,009 yards. Houston turned the return into Darryl Sharpton and Sherrick McManis, both useful depth pieces, but neither matched Moeaki’s immediate offensive role. Kansas City gets the narrow but clear edge.

Minnesota traded picks No. 62 and No. 93 to Houston for No. 51 and selected Toby Gerhart. Gerhart became a useful four-year backup behind Adrian Peterson, but Houston turned the acquired choices into a broader chain: No. 62 helped the Texans move up for Ben Tate, while No. 93 was traded for picks used on Darryl Sharpton and Sherrick McManis. Houston's deeper return wins narrowly.

Houston moved from No. 62 to No. 58 and selected running back Ben Tate, while New England received No. 62 and a fifth-rounder used on Brandon Spikes and Zoltan Mesko. Tate became a productive complement to Arian Foster and rushed for 1,992 yards in three Texans seasons. Spikes started regularly and Mesko handled punting duties for three years, giving New England a slightly broader return.

Houston Texans received 2010 6th round pick (197th overall, Trindon Holliday). Houston received a 2010 sixth-round pick that became No. 197 Trindon Holliday, giving the Texans a later draft asset from the exchange. That result supports a C+ for Houston Texans. The overall comparison favors Los Angeles Chargers, leaving Houston Texans on the weaker side of the exchange. The grade reflects the realized player service and draft value tied directly to this transaction, without assigning extra credit for outcomes that cannot be traced confidently to the exchanged assets.

Minnesota acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from Houston for the 122nd pick in the 2009 draft. The Texans used that fourth-round selection on tight end Anthony Hill, who played five games for Houston as a rookie. Rosenfels never took a regular-season snap for Minnesota, leaving Houston with the slightly better direct return.

Baltimore moved from No. 26 to No. 18 and selected Joe Flacco, while Houston received No. 26, No. 89 and No. 173 and drafted Duane Brown, Steve Slaton and Dominique Barber. Flacco became a long-term Ravens franchise quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP. Brown became an elite Texans left tackle and Slaton delivered an outstanding rookie season. Both teams created franchise-changing value.

Denver Broncos received 2008 6th round pick (183rd overall, Spencer Larsen) from Houston Texans, sending Chris Myers the other way. Larsen contributed useful versatility for Denver, but Houston received substantially more long-term value. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Denver Broncos, and the overall verdict is Houston Texans Win.

Houston traded defensive end Jason Babin to Seattle on September 1, 2007, and received safety Michael Boulware in return. Boulware appeared in all 16 games for Houston that season as a depth defender and special-teams contributor. Babin played only four games across two Seattle seasons before leaving, so Houston received the clearer direct value from the player-for-player swap.

New Orleans traded picks 123 and 163 to Houston to move up to No. 107 for running back Antonio Pittman. Pittman did not survive final cuts, leaving the Saints with no regular-season return from the move. Houston used No. 123 on Fred Bennett, who started eight games and intercepted three passes as a rookie, giving the Texans the clear advantage.

Houston acquired quarterback Matt Schaub and moved from No. 8 to No. 10 in the 2007 draft, sending Atlanta second-round picks in 2007 and 2008. Schaub became the Texans' long-term starter, twice leading the NFL in passing categories and earning Pro Bowl recognition. Atlanta found an excellent guard in Justin Blalock, but first-rounder Jamaal Anderson disappointed, leaving Houston with the defining asset.

Green Bay swapped Samkon Gado for Vernand Morency after deciding Morency's one-cut style better fit its zone-running system. Morency rewarded the Packers with 421 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry in 2006 and remained part of the backfield in 2007. Gado gave Houston useful depth but only 263 rushing yards across two seasons, leaving Green Bay with the better direct return.

Houston sent the 134th pick in the 2006 draft to Buffalo for veteran receiver Eric Moulds. Moulds gave the Texans one season, catching 57 passes for 557 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo used No. 134 on defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who spent 13 seasons with the Bills and reached six Pro Bowls. That enormous difference in longevity and impact makes Buffalo the clear winner.

New Orleans moved from pick 16 to 13 for tackle Jammal Brown, sending Houston a future third-rounder in addition to the lower first. Brown became a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro for the Saints. Houston selected Travis Johnson at 16 and later Eric Winston at 66; Winston became a durable starting tackle. Both clubs created substantial value, making the exchange unusually balanced in hindsight.

Houston paid second- and third-round picks for Phillip Buchanon, betting that the 2002 first-rounder would become a long-term starting corner. Instead, Buchanon started six games in 2005, played four more for Houston in 2006 and was released. Oakland turned one of the incoming picks into five-year starting linebacker Kirk Morrison and used the other in another draft-day exchange, making this a clear Raiders victory.

Houston sent 2004 fifth-round No. 159 to Jacksonville and received sixth-round No. 175 plus seventh-round No. 210, selecting Jammal Lord and Raheem Orr. Jacksonville used No. 159 on Sean Bubin. Because none of the three players produced a durable team-specific payoff, the extra Houston selection did not create meaningful separation and the exchange remains even.

Houston traded four picks to Tennessee for Nos. 27 and 159, using the first-rounder on edge rusher Jason Babin. Babin produced 13 sacks across three Texans seasons and was traded away in 2007, never matching the price Houston paid to move up. The fifth-rounder was later moved again. The aggressive investment failed to create the cornerstone pass rusher the expansion franchise sought.

Dallas acquired the rights to quarterback Drew Henson from Houston in March 2004, sending the Texans a 2005 third-round pick that became No. 73. Henson never developed into the Cowboys’ long-term answer, while Houston used the pick on running back Vernand Morency. Morency was not a star, but the Texans received tangible draft value for a player who never appeared for them, making Houston the winner.

Indianapolis acquired the 138th pick in the 2003 draft from Houston and used it on Robert Mathis, sending the Texans a 2004 fourth-rounder that became safety Glenn Earl at No. 122. Mathis developed into one of the greatest pass rushers in Colts history, finishing with 123 career sacks and 52 forced fumbles. Houston received a short-term starter, creating an enormous value gap.

New England moved from pick 41 to 36 in the 2003 second round, sending Houston No. 41 and No. 75 for Nos. 36 and 117. The Patriots drafted Eugene Wilson at 36 and Dan Klecko at 117; Wilson became a starting defensive back on championship teams and Klecko provided useful depth. Houston selected Bennie Joppru and Seth Wand. The contrast in impact makes this a strong Patriots victory.

Oakland sent its 2004 second-round selection, later charged through the 2003 supplemental draft when Houston selected Tony Hollings, to the Texans for picks No. 83 and No. 262 in the 2003 draft. The Raiders used those selections on Sam Williams and Ryan Hoag. None of the three players became a major NFL contributor, leaving a modest exchange with little lasting value on either side.

Houston Texans received Greg Randall in the 2003-03-06 exchange involving New England Patriots. Randall started all 16 games at right tackle for Houston in 2003, delivering immediate lineup value from a fifth-round investment. That realized return supports a B- grade for Houston Texans. The overall verdict is Even Trade, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.

Atlanta received the 116th pick in the 2002 draft and used it on guard Martin Bibla, while expansion Houston accepted a future third-rounder that became quarterback Dave Ragone at No. 88 in 2003. Neither selection produced a major NFL return: Bibla started only two games, and Ragone made two starts. Houston gained the stronger draft slot, but the on-field outcomes leave the deal essentially even.

Houston and Buffalo swapped Jay Foreman and Charlie Rogers shortly before the 2002 draft. Foreman immediately became a centerpiece of the expansion Texans’ defense, starting all 16 games in each of his first two Houston seasons and recording 143 combined tackles in 2002. Rogers gave Buffalo a full season of return work and scored on a kickoff return, but his Bills tenure lasted only that year. Houston received the more durable impact.

Houston acquired cornerback Jacoby Shepherd from St. Louis on March 28, 2002 for a conditional 2003 seventh-round draft choice. The condition was not met, so the pick was not conveyed. Shepherd never appeared in a Texans regular-season game and was waived before the 2002 season, leaving both clubs with no realized regular-season return from the exchange.

Houston Texans received Jerry DeLoach. Washington acquired Danny Wuerffel as quarterback depth in a system familiar to him, but the move produced only limited lasting value. Its C+ grade reflects the value of that return relative to what Washington received. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.