If the 2025 trade deadline plays out for the Houston Texans as some project, C.J. Stroud will be in a much better situation than he is entering Week 9.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s staff put together a list of needs, intel, and potential trade targets as the deadline draws near. For the Texans, ESPN’s Dan Graziano forecasted the Texans would be buyers, while Aaron Schatz singled out center, where first-year Texan Jake Andrews plays.
Moreover, Seth Walder suggested a call to the Las Vegas Raiders for Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Texans Trade Pitch Lands Raiders C Jackson Powers-Johnson
GettyJackson Powers-Johnson #58 of the Las Vegas Raiders during training camp.
The Texans claimed Andrews off waivers from the New England Patriots this past offseason, picking up the remainder of his four-year, $4.6 million contract signed as a fourth-round pick (No. 107 overall) in the 2023 draft.
Schatz wrote in the October 29 article that Andrews ranks “30th among qualifying centers in pass block win rate (91.0%) and 26th in run block win rate (64.5%).”
This Heavy Sports Texans trade pitch would send mid-round draft capital to the Raiders.
Texans get:
- Jackson Powers-Johnson
Raiders get:
- 2026 third-round pick
Power-Johnson was the No. 44 overall pick of the 2024 draft. He started 14 of 15 games played as a rookie and five of six this season. The Raiders have rotated him at right guard with Alex Cappa this season.
Raiders OL Jackson Powers-Johnson Floated as Texans Trade Target
GettyJackson Powers-Johnson #58 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
If the Texans get involved, they would need to understand that Powers-Johnson also comes with risks. Walder noted that Powers-Johnson could be a move to upgrade the Texans’ offensive line at center or either guard spot.
The Texans, notably, have rotated Laken Tomlinson and Juice Scruggs on the left side.
However, Walders also warned that “Powers-Johnson is no sure bet,” particularly when it comes to pass protection.
“He ranks 65th out of 70 qualifying guards in pass block win rate (86.2%) and was benched during the Raiders’ loss to the Chiefs,” Walder wrote. “But he ranks eighth among guards in run block win rate (76.9%), and Houston could use run-blocking help in its interior. Plus, he’s still in his second season.”
Notably, the Stroud has the 10th-lowest sack rate entering Week 9, per Pro Football Reference.
Texans Urged to ‘Hold’ at Trade Deadline
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears.
While Graziano expects the Texans to explore deals to address their “inconsistent” offense, CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles urged them to stand pat at the deadline.
“Houston owns a ton of draft capital thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade this offseason. While that could make it enticing to buy, we lean ‘hold.’ The defense is absolutely tremendous, but the offense has been too inconsistent to suggest this team could turn into a true contender,” Pereles wrote on October 30, noting the O-line would be the “main area to address.”
“Houston is currently using a group that has shown improvement this season and is mostly young and homegrown. A win over the Broncos on Sunday could push them to consider buying more, but a loss is more likely in the cards.”
Notably, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell took it a step further, saying the Texans should trade for picks.
“The Texans didn’t have a first-round pick in 2024 because of the trade up for Will Anderson Jr.,” Barnwell wrote on October 30. “Although they made a solid trade down with the Vikings to accrue extra capital, their 2025 second-round pick went to the Bills as part of the ill-fated deal for Stefon Diggs. They already have six picks in the first four rounds of next year’s draft, which is a plus, but every little bit helps.”
The Texans have until the trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on November 4 to decide on a move for Powers-Johnson or another player.
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