3 Bold Predictions for the Texans Offseason

The Houston Texans enter the offseason after their second straight four-win campaign in 2021. Newly-hired head coach Lovie Smith has been tasked with helping the Texans bounce back in the 2022 NFL season, however, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done.

General manager Nick Caserio will be busy this offseason, filling various holes across Houston's roster. Fortunately, he has nine 2022 NFL Draft picks — including Pick No. 3 — and approximately $18.8 million in cap space to help with the cause.

In the meantime, here's a look at three bold predictions for the Texans' offseason.

Texans Bold Predictions

1. Texans Finally Trade Deshaun Watson

The Texans could finally end up trading QB Deshaun Watson this offseason. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Trade rumors have surrounded Texans QB Deshaun Watson for the last year or so. However, a deal has yet to be reached due to him dealing with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Some may think that the Texans still won't be able to trade him due to his ongoing legal issues, but that may not be the case. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported earlier this week that multiple teams are willing to trade for him even if a civil case settlement has yet to be reached. While there's no guarantee about which teams are actually interested, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings are reportedly potential suitors. Nevertheless, Watson's situation has been a headache in Houston and it's finally time for the franchise to move on from him.

2. Houston Also Trades Brandin Cooks

Houston should consider trading WR Brandin Cooks this offseason before he potentially walks as a free agent in 2023. / Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Brandin Cooks is one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL, recording at least 1,000 receiving yards in six of the last seven seasons. Although, he's in the final year of his contract and could walk in free agency next offseason. That's why the Texans should jump ahead of things and trade Cooks in the coming months. Many wideout-needy teams would love to have him on their roster, so Houston could probably get a solid return for him. Plus, his $16.2 million cap hit would come off the books, allowing the Texans to strengthen even more positions. As great as Cooks has been for Houston, it's better to get something back for him than nothing if he switches teams in 2023.

3. Texans Land Either Thibodeaux or Hutchinson at 2022 NFL Draft

The Texans would hit the jackpot if Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson falls to them at No. 3 at the 2022 NFL Draft. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

A few months ago, it was looking like either Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux or Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson was going to be selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars at the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, FanDuel Sportsbook is favoring Alabama's Evan Neal to go at No. 1. If Neal does go to the Jaguars, the Texans will essentially hit the jackpot by having their pick between Thibodeaux and Hutchinson. Both pass-rushers are explosive, possessing game-changing potential. With Houston having the sixth-worst scoring defense last season, getting one of those two electric defenders could change the Texans' fortunes for years to come.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.