ESPN news: Texans set to land in fans favorite WR in a blockbuster deal.
In the upcoming weeks, the Houston Texans may trade veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, according to EPSN’s Bill Barnwell.
In the modern NFL, wide receivers are highly valued, and the Houston Texans have an abundance of talent at the position. One of the strongest trios in the game consists of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell, who deny opportunities to players like John Metchie, Noah Brown, and Robert Woods. The Texans may deal seasoned veteran Robert Woods if they got the appropriate offer, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, as every club in the league is searching for more dependable pass catchers.
Robert Woods will likely be “the odd man out,” according to Barnwell’s piece, and Houston will likely try to trade or release him. The ESPN expert continues by pointing out that Woods has a base salary of $6.3 million but only $1.3 million in guaranteed money. Houston has every motive to cut ties with the veteran given the substantial savings.
Barnwell: Texans Might Exchange Woods Robert
Although he was never a huge player, Robert Woods was once one of the more dependable WR2s in the league. The former second-round pick had success with the Los Angeles Rams after beginning his career with the Buffalo Bills. The wide receiver was an integral part of Sean McVay’s offense, averaging just under 1,200 yards per season from 2018 to 2019. He continued to be a key component of the passing attack in 2020 and the first part of 2021. But halfway through the 2021 season, Woods tore his ACL, and he never recovered to his previous level of play.
With a wide-open depth chart, Woods played for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, where he recorded 53 receptions for 527 yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, he was less productive; by the end of his first campaign with the Texans, he had only 40 receptions for 426 yards and one touchdown. As Robert Woods approaches his age-32 season, not many will part with much for him, but someone may be ready to deal a late-round choice in exchange for his services.
Potential Locations
The Chiefs of Kansas City
The Chiefs may not find many interested trade partners, but they could use another wide receiver. Nobody wants to make it simpler for Kansas City to win the Lombardi Trophy for the third time in a row as they are the defending Super Bowl winners. Teams might use a similar strategy for elite players such as DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, and Tee Higgins, as the Bills declined to deal Stefon Diggs to the Chiefs. But if the Chiefs are the highest bidder, Houston should be willing to trade Robert Woods, who is little more than depth.
Chargers of Los Angeles
At wide receiver, the Chargers are prioritizing quantity over quality. Following their departures from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the team hired DJ Chark for a one-year contract and picked three wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s possible that some of these players work out, but this room needs to have another body. Even though Robert Woods isn’t the same player he once was, he should be able to contend for a depth spot against players like Cornelius Johnson and Brenden Rice.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are making every effort to increase Russell Wilson’s support staff. Robert Woods might become the team’s primary target because Pittsburgh hasn’t had much luck trading for big-name players like Metcalf and Sutton. Although Woods isn’t the player at the top of everyone’s wish list, he can be this offense’s third or fourth option and a dependable set of hands. Pittsburgh could use any advantage to stay up with the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns, especially because they play in what is maybe the most tough division in football.
Saints of New Orleans
The Saints lack the cap flexibility to acquire a wide receiver superior to Robert Woods, so they are in need of another wide receiver. Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave are a dependable pair, and a superb quarterback might get by with these two. Derek Carr is, regrettably, only as good as the players surrounding him. With a dubious offensive line, this club needs to strengthen at wide receiver if they are to make it back to the postseason for the first time since Drew Brees played.
Ravens of Baltimore
With Lamar Jackson, the Ravens wagered that the former Los Angeles Ram could return to his previous level of play. Odell Beckham had a respectable season in his lone season with the Baltimore Ravens, so that gamble paid off in part. In a year, this team might take a comparable risk by trading for Robert Woods. Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews may be this offense’s best alternatives, but Baltimore needs to find a different receiver in case Rashod Bateman is unable to improve on his underwhelming 2023. Woods is a good fallback option who won’t prevent rookie Devontez Walker or Bateman from playing if they are given opportunities.
