The Houston Texans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud took the NFL by storm in 2023. Stroud led the Texans to an unexpected playoff appearance en route to being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl.
While Stroud and the Texans showed plenty of flashes last season, it might be time to worry about Houston in 2024. Following injuries to starting wide receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, Stroud has struggled mightily in recent weeks.
With wide receivers banged up in Houston, the Texans could fix Stroud’s struggles by trading for a former All-Pro.
C.J. Stroud’s Struggles Could Spark Change for Texans
After a jaw-dropping rookie season, Stroud entered top-five quarterback discussions. He and the team initially carried their momentum from last season into this year, winning five of their first six regular-season games.
Stroud continued to play at a high level, throwing 10 passing touchdowns and four interceptions. But after losing both Collins and Diggs, his lack of production has been concerning.
Stroud’s struggles reached a newfound low against the New York Jets in Week 9. He completed a career-low 36.7% of his passes, and the Texans lost 21-13.
Thanks to New York’s defensive front, Stroud was constantly under duress on Thursday Night Football. Stroud was sacked eight times, including having one of his own offensive linemen forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Jets.
Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald IV teamed up for the turnover. pic.twitter.com/fUg5cAIBwx
— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2024
New York’s unstoppable pass rush forced Stroud to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs throughout Thursday night’s game. As a result, Stroud somehow averaged more rushing yards per attempt (7.4) than passing yards per attempt (6.4).
After Stroud’s miserable performance on Thursday night, he has now received a letter grade of D+ in three games this season, according to the PFN Insights QB+ metric.
It was an embarrassing showing from Houston’s offense, given the expectations. With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, it might be time for the franchise to consider making a significant addition to help Stroud.
Texans Land Former Super Bowl Champion WR in Proposed Trade
While Collins is expected to return soon, Diggs will be out for the remainder of the year due to a season-ending knee injury. If the Texans want to push for a deep postseason run in the AFC, they might have to make a move at the trade deadline.
When healthy, Houston’s wide receiver duo of Collins and Tank Dell is certainly viable, but will it be enough to take Stroud and the Texans over the top? That seems unlikely, given Houston’s playoff departure last season and the team’s eventual trade for Diggs.
Therefore, it could be time for the Texans to push their chips all in and trade for Los Angeles Rams former All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp at the trade deadline. Here’s a look at the projected blockbuster deal.
- Texans acquire: WR Cooper Kupp
- Rams acquire: 2025 conditional third-round pick
Similar to New York’s deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for another former All-Pro wide receiver in Davante Adams, this projected trade follows a similar structure. The Texans would send a 2025 conditional third-round pick to Los Angeles in exchange for Kupp.
Kupp would fit in perfectly alongside Collins and Dell in 2025 and beyond. Given that Diggs is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Houston would cement its WR trio for the foreseeable future by landing Kupp.
Despite being 31 years old, Kupp is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL when healthy. He is under contract for two more seasons and would provide Stroud with another much-needed reliable target.
While Rams head coach Sean McVay doesn’t expect Los Angeles to trade Kupp, stranger things have happened in the NFL before. If the Texans truly want to address Stroud’s struggles and provide him with more help, Houston could make the Rams an offer that they can’t refuse prior to the deadline.