Arizona traded reserve tackle Josh Jones and a 2024…
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.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2024 5th round pick (162nd overall, Christian Jones )
Houston Texans Received
- player Josh Jones
- pick 2024 7th round pick (224th overall, subsequently traded)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Arizona sent offensive tackle Josh Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick to Houston for the Texans' 2024 fifth-round selection. The Cardinals had a surplus at tackle and Jones was entering the final year of his contract. Houston, meanwhile, needed experienced line depth because of injuries. The acquired fifth-rounder ultimately became No. 162, where Arizona selected Texas tackle Christian Jones. The seventh-rounder later landed at No. 224 and moved again.
Why Arizona Liked the Conversion
For the Cardinals, the attraction was turning a reserve on an expiring deal into better draft position. Moving from a seventh-round asset to a fifth-round selection created a meaningful jump in expected prospect quality without giving up a starter in Arizona's plans. Christian Jones became a developmental tackle on a rookie contract, giving the club additional runway from a player it otherwise might have lost after the season.
How Houston Got Immediate Utility
The Texans were buying present-day insurance. Josh Jones had starting experience at multiple tackle spots and joined a line dealing with injuries before the 2023 season. Houston also received the seventh-round component, reducing the net draft cost. The veteran did not become a long-term cornerstone for the Texans, but that was never a realistic expectation at this price. The deal was designed to trade some future selection value for immediate depth.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive C+ grades. Arizona improved its future draft position and eventually selected Christian Jones; Houston obtained experienced offensive-line help and a late pick for a manageable price. Neither return has produced enough high-end or long-term impact to create a decisive advantage. The transaction remains an Even Trade based on modest, different forms of value on each side.
Arizona improved its draft position while Houston added veteran tackle depth, leaving the modest returns closely balanced overall.