By now the word is out that Jalen Ramsey wants a trade from the Jaguars and would love to play elsewhere as soon as possible. The word surfaced yesterday and social media was a buzz talking about where he could go and who would want the all-world cornerback? Texans fans came out of the woodwork to declare that Houston is the place Ramsey should want to be, and they will load up the truck for his move to NRG. There's only one problem, well actually a few issues with this possible trade destination and it starts with the fact that the Texans have traded away most of the assets needed to pull off a deal of this magnitude.
It would be great if they had a first round draft pick next year or the year after to entice Jacksonville to engage in conversations, but they don't. They gave those away along with a second round pick that would have been helpful, to get Kenny Stills and Laremy Tunsil from Miami. Don't get me wrong, both players help this team immediately and make them better, I just think the price they paid was far too high and is now affecting them negatively as they try to improve in other areas. The Dolphins just traded defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Steelers for a future first round pick, a player that could've helped the Texans in a big way. If there was a way Fitzpatrick could've been added to the already consummated trade, it could've made the move more acceptable and beneficial for Houston. The overwhelming sentiment that experts had after the trade was made, was that the Texans acted desperate and gave away far too much.
Composite photo by Brandon Strange
The same comments and grades that the team and Bill O'Brien received when they made the trade with Miami, they also got when they over paid for running back Duke Johnson. The Browns and Texans agreed on a swap for a fourth round pick that will turn into a third round selection based on Johnson's performance this season. Sources around the NFL thought that Johnson could've been had for a 6th round pick that would have elevated to a 5th. The point being, you added talent to the roster for this season but you over paid and that will cost the team in the future by the picks you gave up and the limitations it placed on the organization's ability to make deals this season.
Photo by Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group
Aside from all the draft picks the Texans gave away in the two trades with the Browns and Dolphins, let's not forget another move that was made that didn't exactly bring back the returns the fan base had hoped for. It would be wonderful if the team had a former number one overall pick in the draft, a stud defensive end that was available for trade, that was playing at a high level and wanted a big contract the team wasn't willing to give out. You know the guy, Jadaveon Clowney, the guy they gave away for a third round pick and change to the Seahawks? The guy that conceivably could've at least got the Jags to the table to discuss an otherwise unlikely deal between divisional rivals. They could have proposed trading one disgruntled player for another to see if new beginnings for both players would be the formula for a win-win scenario for both teams. Would a trade have been likely, probably not, but it could've opened dialog and given the teams an avenue to explore options.
