The Houston Texans have been a tremendous disappointment in the first four weeks of the NFL season. They currently have a 1-3 record, and a big reason why is how disappointing a large chunk of their additions in the offseason haven’t panned out. Out of all the moves made by GM Nick Caserio, there 5 that stand out from the rest.
This one is obvious. Chauncey “CJ” Gardner Johnson was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was expected to be a starting contributor on this defense. Well, the only contribution he was making was being a cancer and causing problems in the locker room. What else is new? It’s hard to keep track of how many times he has done this throughout his career.
The Texans had had enough with his antics they decided to release him. It’s telling that they’re willing to take a $2.5 million (2025) and $5.66 million cap hit (2026) for him not to play. Why couldn’t Gardner-Johnson just keep his mouth shut, and with how his tenure with the Texans ended, that might have ended his NFL career. Looking back on that trade, it’s a loss for both sides. Kenyon Green didn’t last long in Philadelphia either.
Ever since Nathaniel “Tank” Dell’s injury and Stefon Diggs’ fallout, the Texans needed another receiver to pair with Nico Collins. The Texans decided to trade for Christian Kirk. Which makes no sense, as the Jaguars were planning to release him anyway. Kirk was expected to take the role, and so far, he has been a disappointment. A hamstring injury and a slow start have affected this offense. In two games, he only had 6 receptions for 45 yards, it’s not great and he needs to stand out the next few weeks.
Oh boy, this did not go well at all. Robinson was signed to be the Tunsil replacement on he o-line. Then came Week 1 of the season, as Robinson and since that performance, Robinson was on backup duty. The Texans, not 4 games in, decided to trade him to the Cleveland Browns, and the 1 year, $12 million contract looks worse.
Let’s continue to bash the offensive line signings as Caserio decided to sign one one-year deal with Laken Tomlinson. Look, Tomlinson has been a notable journeyman player. He has been serviceable, but this year he has been awful and one of the worst guards in the NFL according to PFF. He has been unplayable for the Texans, and it’s a signing that has backfired.
What a brilliant idea that was, trading Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. Yes, there were contract issues, but he’s been the key blindside blocker for the Houston Texans. He’s going to be worth every dollar as he is a trustworthy blocker, and letting him go has been a tremendous mistake. They have no feasible option at the offensive line, and it’s hurting the running game & CJ Stroud’s play. Stroud deserves better protection after they traded Tunsil.
The only signing on offense that has panned out is OG Ed Ingram. An argument can be made for Nick Chubb, but he has shown signs of regression and its hard to evaluate with how bad of an o-line he has to work with. Time will tell on that one, but a majority of Nick Caserio’s moves offensively have backfired.
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