Heading into his third season, C.J. Stroud has a stout defense and a reinforced set of weapons (on paper), but questions about the Houston Texans’ offensive line remain prevalent. Even after overhauling the unit, one of the Texans’ offseason trades may have done enough damage.
The Texans traded Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders this offseason, creating a void at a critical spot on Stroud’s blindside.
They believe they have filled it, but Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon remains unconvinced.
C.J. Stroud Could Suffer From Blockbuster Texans Trade
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Carolina Panthers.
Gagnon listed “Support for C.J. Stroud” as the Texans’ “biggest problem” heading into the 2025 season, and he believes the trade sending Tunsil to the NFC only contributes to the issue. The Texans’ star, Stroud, was sacked 52 times in 2024.
That was the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears.
Gagnon offered a dour “outlook” for Stroud that the second-year QB and the Texans must disprove to achieve their goals this season.
“We understand the desire to be proactive and refresh the offensive line following last year’s issues, but it’s not easy to argue that unit is better off without veteran stalwart Laremy Tunsil at left tackle,” Gagnon wrote on September 3. “They’ve lost experience and talent, as well as continuity, and it doesn’t help that veteran wideout Christian Kirk remains sidelined by a hamstring injury in Houston’s receiving corps.
“Stroud faces an uphill battle to prove his 2024 struggles were a sophomore slump, but at least the Texans don’t face an overwhelmingly talented defense throughout September (starting with the Rams on Sunday).”
The Rams tied for the eighth-fewest sacks as a team in 2024.
However, they roster the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jared Verse, and fellow former Florida State Seminole and second-year player, Braden Fiske, who was third in the voting.
If the Texans want to prove they made the right decision about trading Tunsil, keeping Stroud clean against the Rams would be a fitting test to pass. Stroud must also take it upon himself to keep the Texans’ offense in advantageous situations as much as possible.
Texans Retooled With Laremy Tunsil Trade
GettyAireontae Ersery #79 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans traded Tunsil, the No. 13 overall pick in 2016 by the Miami Dolphins, and Stroud’s blindside protector for two years, to the Commanders along with a 2025 fourth-round selection, receiving 2025 third and seventh-round picks, as well as 2026 second and fourth-rounders.
They traded the seventh-round selection but used the third on wide receiver Jaylin Noel, who will fill in for the injured Kirk at receiver and Braxton Berrios in the return game.
More importantly, the Texans believe they have Tunsil’s replacement
The Texans acquired the pick used to select Tunsil’s replacement, Aireontae Ersery, from the Las Vegas Raiders. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans put Ersery in the starting LT role when Tunsil’s original replacement, veteran Cam Robinson, suffered an injury.
Ersery is a large individual, and he has frequently expressed the joy that he takes in protecting his quarterback and opening running lanes. All of that bodes well for Stroud and the Texans.
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