I’m not sure if anyone had the Houston Texans contending for a division title on their list of bold predictions for this season, but nevertheless, here we are.
The Texans are 3-3 and are entering Week 8 just one-and-a-half games behind the Jacksonville Jaguars (who Houston hammered earlier in the year) for first place in the AFC South. Not only that, but the Texans will get a great chance to move over .500 on Sunday, as they will be battling the winless Carolina Panthers.
Somehow, Houston may end up being a buyer ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline, as the division crown is available if it wants to really pursue it.
Here are three targets for the Texans to consider before the end of the month.
Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
Houston is in desperate need of a pass rusher, as it ranks dead last in the league with just nine sacks. Brian Burns would help remedy that issue.
Burns is in the final year of his deal with the Panthers, as Carolina was unable to a strike a long-term agreement with him prior to the season. The 25-year-old is due for a hefty payday in the spring, and the Panthers may not want to give him what he desires.
The good news for the Texans is that they are projected to have a ton of cap room in the offseason and would certainly be able to retain Burns if they trade for him.
Burns is coming off of back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances and has established himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL.
Adding him into the mix would be pivotal for a Houston defense that has struggled in 2023.
Leonard Williams, New York Giants
The Texans are in need of some help on their defensive interior, as Sheldon Rankins is dealing with a knee injury and Maliek Collins is nothing more than a decent piece.
Leonard Williams would be of significant assistance to the club.
The Giants could look to move Williams, as they are just 2-5 and the 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the club.
When motivated, Williams could be a dominant force on the inside, and he would not only improve Houston’s already decent run defense, but would also make the pass rush better.
Of course, whether or not Houston would want to move a draft asset for a relatively older player who could walk via free agency is the question.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
This one is probably a reach, as the Giants have already told Saquon Barkley that they intend on keeping him, but let’s say Big Blue loses to the New York Jets this weekend. That would put them at 2-6. You’re telling me they wouldn’t at least consider moving Barkley at that point?
The Giants did not extend Barkley going into 2023, so the star running back will hit free agency in the offseason. Yes, health has been an issue for him for the majority of his career, but he is 26 years old, so the Texans may feel that they can build with him.
Houston’s rushing offense has been a major problem this year, as featured back Dameon Pierce is averaging a paltry 2.9 yards per carry. Devin Singletary is logging 3.9 yards per tote as the No. 2.
Barkley could step in and instantly fix the Texans’ ground game and make life easier for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has been terrific in spite of the lack of support from his rushing attack.
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