Texans trade veteran offensive lineman to Chargers

The Houston Texans’ offensive line reshuffle continues; they are trading fourth-year blocker Austin Deculus. The 2022 Houston draftee will be dealt to the Los Angeles Chargers, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports.

In exchange, the Texans will add a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick. Deculus will join a Bolts team dealt a tough injury blow weeks ago upon losing left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season.

Houston has already made three trades involving O-linemen this offseason. It dealt Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders, sent Kenyon Green to the Eagles and acquired Ed Ingram from the Vikings. No. 4 involves a much lower-profile player in Deculus, who has played in 13 career games with one start.

For a team that lost a Pro Bowl left tackle, the Bolts are in fairly decent shape. They kicked Joe Alt over from right tackle and are set to plug Trey Pipkins — he of considerable starting experience — at RT, marking a return after an unsuccessful guard transition. The Chargers also roster ex-Slater LT fill-in Jamaree Salyer up front.

All but one of Deculus’ NFL snaps on offense have come at left tackle. The trade gives the Bolts a second backup option alongside Salyer, who has a year of guard starter experience under his belt as well.