The Houston Texans overhauled their offensive line this offseason, a decision that resulted in multiple new starters and players lining up in different spots. The Texans could take that overhaul further with a trade for New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal.
Neal, 24, was the No. 7 overall pick of the 2022 draft. The 6-foot-7, 340-pound lineman, who knows he takes up “a lot of mass,” has started 27 of his 29 games played in three seasons.
Therein lies the risk in acquiring Neal, though, whose career has failed to launch as planned.
Texans Floated as Trade ‘Suitor’ for Giants OL Evan Neal
GettyEvan Neal #73 of the New York Giants looks on before their game against the New England Patriots.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed the Texans as a “potential suitor” for Neal, who has struggled to earn a role despite switching positions.
Knox believes Neal’s trade value is down, suggesting a “ conditional 6th-Round Pick” as compensation. Any team that acquires Neal in a trade, such as the Texans, must also be mindful that he is in the final year of his four-year, $24.5 million rookie scale contract.
Texans get:
- Evan Neal
Giants get:
- Conditional 2027 sixth-round pick
“The New York Giants haven’t traded Evan Neal yet, but the 2022 first-round pick is probably out of chances to prove himself with them,” Knox wrote on September 3. “He never developed into a reliable starter at tackle. This offseason, the Giants tried moving him to guard, but he couldn’t beat out Greg Van Roten for the job.
“Neal isn’t going to fill any team’s needs for an immediate starter, but he’s a 24-year-old (25 on September 19) project who might provide depth at multiple positions. He could find a market from teams that lack versatile depth and/or a long-term succession plan for an aging veteran.”
The Texans could add Neal as an insurance policy.
Texans OG Ed Ingram On Injury Report
GettyEd Ingram #67 of the Minnesota Vikings.
A trade for Neal may not be in the Texans’ plans now, but it could be something to explore closer to the trade deadline. They are already navigating some injury issues up front, with rookie second-round pick Aireontae Ersery taking over for Cam Robinson at left tackle.
Robinson has since returned to practice after a one-day illness absence following his injury, but the Texans have other concerns up front.
Right guard Ed Ingram remained on the injury report on Thursday.
The Texans acquired Ingram in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. The good news is that Ingram is trending in the right direction. Houston also boasts a deep collection of reserves, including Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson, who can play guard and center.
Ersery or starting right tackle Tytus Howard could also slide inside if need be, but the Texans could also take a low-risk, potentially high-reward chance on Neal.
At worst, he would add depth and a chance to evaluate a former blue-chip prospect up close.
However, the Texans could also get fortunate and figure out the best way to get the most out of Neal, which the Giants have so far failed to do. That could be worth the risk of a sixth-round draft selection, which has a low hit rate anyway.
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