Houston has spent the offseason reloading its wide receiver room. But in doing so, they may have quietly closed the door on one of the most inspiring comeback stories in the NFL.
With organized team activities (OTAs) around the corner, speculation around John Metchie III’s future is heating up — and Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the Texans should make a decisive move.
Is John Metchie III on the Trade Block?
Houston’s recent moves leave little room for interpretation. The front office added veterans Christian Kirk and Justin Watson in free agency, while also drafting Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
That’s in addition to Braxton Berrios and a crowded receiver room overall — 13 wide receivers are currently on the roster heading into OTAs. All this points to one thing: Metchie could be the odd man out.
“Houston has put the writing on the wall for Metchie’s departure and should place him on the trade block,” he wrote. “He showed the ability to overcome adversity, recovering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, and is only 24 with major upside. Metchie will have a market if available.”
A Remarkable Comeback, but a Crowded Depth Chart
Metchie’s story is nothing short of incredible. Drafted in the second round out of Alabama in 2022, he missed his rookie season while battling leukemia. In 2023, he returned to the field and posted 16 catches for 158 yards.
Last year, he took another step forward — recording 24 receptions for 254 yards and scoring his first NFL touchdown on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. But the Texans still finished reworking their WR unit, primarily out of necessity.
With Stefon Diggs gone and Tank Dell expected to miss the entire 2025 season after suffering a brutal knee injury, Houston had to rebuild. Now, the room is not only rebuilt — it’s stacked.
What Happens Next for Houston and Metchie?
The former Alabama star still has time to develop, and his upside remains intriguing. But given the additions the team has made this offseason, it’s unclear what role — if any — remains for him in Houston.
If Metchie stays, he’ll be battling for snaps deep on the depth chart. If he goes, he may finally get the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role elsewhere — one that Houston no longer seems able to offer.
Either way, don’t be surprised if the Texans’ next big offseason move comes from the receiver room once again.