This Texans-Steelers trade proposal sends Diontae Johnson to Houston

The Houston Texans are at the beginning of what could be a lengthy rebuild. They have won only 11 games in the last three years and are on their third coach in as many seasons. But, there is a little bit of optimism that Houston may be heading in the right direction now that they have DeMeco Ryans as head coach and Nick Caserio as general manager working in lockstep.

The two have a plan in place that starts with selecting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They know for a young quarterback to succeed, they need to have a good nucleus around them, which the Texans are starting to build.

Most importantly, the offensive line has some good pieces. Protecting a quarterback is key to an offense succeeding and the Texans have All-Pro Laremy Tunsil holding down left tackle. He is bookended by Tytus Howard at right tackle and the team acquired Shaq Mason to upgrade on the interior.

The skill positions also got a boost this offseason. While wide receiver Brandin Cooks was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, wide receivers Robert Woods and Noah Brown were signed in free agency. Tight end Dalton Schultz was also signed to a team-friendly deal to give whoever is the starting quarterback a versatile, reliable pass catcher over the middle of the field.

There is still plenty of work to be done, but at least there is a plan in place they are working toward achieving it. The 2023 NFL Draft could present the Texans with more opportunities to add weapons to their offense.

In addition to the second pick, the Texans also own pick No. 12. In a suggested move, Houston trades that pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for wide receiver Diontae Johnson, the No. 49 overall pick and No. 120 overall pick.

Johnson would provide the Texans with a sizable upgrade at the wide receiver position who caught 86 passes for 882 yards last season. In 2021, he caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl spot.

Adding a player of that caliber and more draft capital would make some sense for Houston. If they want more bites at the apple, picking up two more selections in the 2023 NFL Draft is a shrewd move. 

However, it could make more sense to use the No. 12 pick on a wide receiver, such as Quentin Johnston, and have him on a rookie deal for four-five seasons. Johnson is only signed through 2024 with cap hits of $16,333,333 in 2023 and $15,833,334 in 2024. The total value of the No. 12 pick’s contract is only $18,920,540.

The Steelers would have a void at the wide receiver spot but would have multiple premium picks to fill the void other holes on the roster with. They would have three picks within the first 32 of the draft, which is incredible value for a team that just missed out on the playoffs last year.