Report: Houston Texans Named as 1 Potential Trade Destination for Disgruntled San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver

The Houston Texans were one of the NFL’s biggest surprises in 2023. Quarterback CJ Stroud won Offensive Rookie of the Year with a 63.9% completion percentage, 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. DeMeco Ryans, who led the Texans to a 10-7 record and the AFC South division title, finished second for NFL Coach of the Year.

The Houston Texans Had a Pair of Young Wide Receivers Break Out in 2023

The Texans also had a pair of dynamic wide receivers that made their offense considerably difficult to slow down. Nico Collins, who had a combined 70 receptions for 927 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, erupted for 80 receptions, 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2023.

Tank Dell was putting together a phenomenal rookie campaign of his own with 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns before he was lost for the season with a broken leg.

Besides Collins and Dell, the Texans had two wide receiver that had more than 400 yards receiving in 2023. Those would be Noah Brown (567) and Robert Woods (426). For Brown, it was a pretty solid rookie campaign. For Woods, however, it was worst statistical season of his career. If the offense is to take a step forward, they will need an upgrade.

Could the Houston Texans Part Ways with Wide Receiver Robert Woods?

Ever since 2018, Woods’ receiving yards total has decreased every year:

• 2018- 1,219
• 2019- 1.134
• 2020- 936
• 2021- 556
• 2022- 527
• 2023- 426

The pattern here is crystal clear: Woods is on the decline. He will be 32 in 2024 and has a history of injuries to boot. Additionally, the Texans could save $5 million on their salary cap by releasing him.

Whether or not Houston decides to part ways with Woods, though, it is clear that they should not rely on him to be one of their top four wide receivers going forward.

The Houston Texans Were Named as a Potential Trade Destination for San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is not happy. Fresh off of losing the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, Aiyuk’s girlfriend made a statement on social media that implied the Second Team All Pro would not be back with the 49ers last season. Aiyuk himself made a cryptic post that left many wondering what the future holds for him.

Due to these developments, there are many who believe that Aiyuk may demand a trade. He is still on his rookie contract since the 49ers exercised his fifth year option, but could force his way out of San Francisco anyway.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes that the Texans could be one of the teams that could pry the disgruntled wide receiver away from the 49ers:

“While the Texans have a pair of talented young pass-catchers in Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Aiyuk could immediately step into the No. 1 receiver role.

“Houston would likely have an easier time than Arizona getting Aiyuk at a relative bargain, since San Francisco would be trading him out of the conference. With $65.4 million in projected cap space—and with both Collins and Dell on rookie contracts—the Texans could afford to give Aiyuk a top-tier contact.

“The Texans traded their 2024 first-rounder to Arizona to secure pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. in last year’s draft, but they still have the Cleveland Browns’ 23rd overall selection via the Deshaun Watson trade.

“Houston might find an elite No. 1 receiver with that pick, but it isn’t going to find a talent as proven as Aiyuk, who topped 1,300 receiving yards in 2023.”