Dallas acquired the rights to quarterback Drew Henson from…
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.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Drew Henson
Houston Texans Received
- pick 2005 3rd round pick (73rd overall, Vernand Morency )
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Drew Henson was one of the most unusual quarterback prospects of his era. Houston drafted him in the sixth round in 2003 while he was pursuing professional baseball, allowing the Texans to hold his NFL rights at a low cost. When Henson committed to football, Dallas wanted the former Michigan quarterback badly enough to send Houston a third-round choice in the 2005 draft.
What Dallas Received
The Cowboys viewed Henson as a possible developmental answer at quarterback. He had size, arm talent and a high-profile college background, but the long layoff from football proved difficult to overcome. Henson never became Dallas’ established starter and produced only a brief regular-season footprint before the organization moved on. The upside that justified surrendering a future third-round pick never materialized.
How Houston Used the Pick
The Texans received the 73rd overall selection in 2005 and used it on running back Vernand Morency. Morency was not a franchise-changing player, but he gave Houston real roster value and later continued his career in Green Bay. More importantly, Houston turned a speculative rights selection into a top-75 draft choice without ever needing Henson to play a snap for the club.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The transaction shows the value of controlling a player’s rights when another team becomes convinced by his upside. Houston had little downside in the original Henson selection and later sold that asset at a substantial premium.
Final Verdict
Houston Texans Win. Houston earns a B for converting a sixth-round rights gamble into a third-round pick. Dallas earns a D+ because Henson never justified the price or solved its quarterback problem.