Houston acquired Marcus Cannon plus 2021 picks No. 158 and…

The Exchange

On March 17, 2021, New England sent veteran tackle Marcus Cannon, fifth-round pick No. 158, and sixth-round pick No. 195 to Houston. The Patriots received fourth-round pick No. 122 and sixth-round pick No. 188. The direct package must keep Cannon separate from the two picks. Later movement of several selections explains why some eventual draftee names do not represent players directly exchanged by the Patriots and Texans.

Houston Texans Return

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.

Boston/New England Patriots Return

New England sent Marcus Cannon and 2021 picks No. 158 and No. 195 to Houston for picks No. 122 and No. 188. Several selections later moved again, so downstream draftees should not be presented as players directly traded between the teams. Both clubs extracted some roster and draft value, but neither side created enough separation for a decisive hindsight win.

Value in Hindsight

Both clubs received legitimate value in different forms. New England improved its draft position, while Houston acquired a veteran player plus two selections. The downstream movement of Nos. 122 and 158 can make the transaction look more complicated than it was, but separating direct assets from later pick chains reveals a balanced exchange with modest returns on each side.

Final Verdict

New England and Houston each receive a C+. The Patriots gained draft flexibility and the Texans added Cannon plus two picks, but neither side converted the deal into a major surplus. With no durable outcome strong enough to overwhelm the other team's return, the most supportable classification is an Even Trade.