Texans add another toy for Stroud. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
At this point in the offseason, all the Texans receivers from 2023 are set to return to the team this season. Which is why it shouldn't have come as a surprise when they elected not to select any receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, according to multiple reports, it appears the Texans made an addition to the receiving corps on Thursday by trading for Rams receiver Ben Skowronek. Skowronek was set to be released by the Rams, but Texans GM Nick Caserio made a deal to bring him to Houston before he was let go.
What did the Texans give up?
Dianna Russini is reporting that the Texans and Rams will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026.
Compensation: Houston and L.A. will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026, per sources https://t.co/Xsw3WHzhJH
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 9, 2024
Skowronek (age 26) only has 58 catches and 575 receiving yards over the course of his three-year career. Skowronek was drafted out of Notre Dame in the 7th round in 2021, and is in the final year of his contact.
With Tank Dell expected to miss OTA's in June as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the leg, perhaps Skowronek will add some depth to the position group, and he could also contribute on special teams this year.
Here's another possibility. The Texans could save some money against the cap by releasing WR Robert Woods. Could this be the reason for the trade? Skowronek wouldn't be expected to see the field much, even if they do release Woods. But the Texans could use the added cap room to address other areas of the team.
Either way, Skowronek should be familiar with the Texans' version of the West Coast Offense, after playing three years under Sean McVay.
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Starting pitching sounds like the top trade deadline priority for the Astros. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joined the club's flagship station on Tuesday and shared his thoughts on some pressing issues facing his team.
Espada said both Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander are making progress and feeling good. But did not reveal a timetable for when we should expect them to return to game action.
What really stood out in the interview was Espada's concern with the amount of innings his starters have been asked to throw this season. Ronel Blanco has already pitched 114.2 innings, and his velocity is down a tick over his last several starts.
“The health of our players is something I'm aware [of]…it keeps me up at night,” said Espada.
The Astros skipper also spoke about the need for a six-man rotation during a long stretch of games in August. He expects some reinforcements to arrive as the current Houston starters like Blanco and Brown near their innings pitched thresholds.
“I know Dana [Brown] and his staff are doing their due diligence to try to get us some help,” said Espada.
Houston's manager is not only focused on keeping his players healthy this season, but also for the long haul.
When asked about the trade deadline specifically, Espada says he's in conversations with Astros GM Dana Brown daily. Not only do they want to find good players, but they also want to find people that will be a “good fit” for the clubhouse.
Based on Espada's comments, it seems like the club knows full well about the challenges that lie ahead. They need players that will fit their championship culture, and that can take some pressure off their starting pitchers.
Another bat wouldn't hurt either…