As the 2024 NFL trade deadline looms today at 3 p.m. CST, the Houston Texans find themselves facing significant issues on the offensive line, particularly at left guard. The season has brought numerous challenges in this area, highlighted by the loss of Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick from Texas A&M. Green, who many hoped would have a breakout year after overcoming early-career injuries, unfortunately proved to be one of the weakest links in the Texans’ interior before a season-ending shoulder injury against the New York Jets last week. To make matters worse, Jarrett Patterson, who replaced Green and showed promise vs the Colts, exited that game with a concussion after just one drive and no official update upon his return has been provided.
With fan speculation and hope for a trade to bolster the offensive line, it’s crucial to explore the Texans' options, analyze what they might do, and provide insights into what they should do to address these issues.
Trade Market Options for the Texans
Although no moves have been made as of writing, several interior offensive linemen around the league could potentially be available. Names such as Andrus Peat (Raiders), Nate Davis (Bears), Daniel Brunskill (Titans), Brandon Scherff (Jaguars), Wyatt Teller (Browns), Brady Christensen (Panthers), and Evan Neal (Giants) come to mind. Each brings a different level of experience, performance, and contract considerations, making the decision complex. However, a significant constraint for the Texans is their current cap space; according to TexansCap, they only have $5,531,566 million left for this year, which would limit their ability to absorb larger contracts without creative restructuring or moving additional pieces.
The Texans have taken steps to reinforce depth by signing Tremayne Anchrum Jr., formerly of the Rams, to the practice squad and working out La’el Collins, formerly with the Bengals and Cowboys. Additionally, they added Jerome Carvin, formerly of the Bears, to their practice squad. These moves suggest that General Manager Nick Caserio and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans may be leaning on internal solutions rather than trading for an established starter. Historically, Caserio has been conservative at the trade deadline, with the notable exception of sending Mark Ingram to the Saints in 2021. It’s important to note that this year marks the first time during his tenure that the Texans are in a position to contend and possibly buy at the deadline.
In-House Solutions to Shore Up the Line
Given Caserio’s cautious approach and Ryans’ recent comments about not overreacting, the likelihood of a significant trade seems slim. Instead, the Texans may turn to their versatile roster for solutions. Here are some potential in-house options:
Replace Kenyon Green with Jarrett Patterson: If Patterson is cleared from concussion protocol soon, this would be the most straightforward fix. It mirrors the move the Texans attempted when Green was benched against the Colts. Keeping the line as it was configured before Green’s injury (Laremy Tunsil at LT, Patterson at LG, Juice Scruggs at C, Shaq Mason at RG, Tytus Howard at RT) could help maintain some level of continuity. By improving the play at left guard, the Texans could see better communication and overall line play. This approach banks on continuity and steady improvement rather than drastic reshuffles.
Move Patterson to Center and Juice Scruggs to Left Guard: Patterson played center last year and did well, making this option viable and potentially solving some of the issues Scruggs has had at center this year. Scruggs struggled when playing guard previously, but the hope is that better chemistry on the line could improve his performance.
Reassign Tytus Howard to Left Guard, Patterson at Center and Start Blake Fisher at Right Tackle: This move would re-create the configuration from last season, where Howard played guard at not near the level he has played tackle, but provided stability during an injury-riddled stretch. However, Howard has voiced his preference to stay at tackle, which could make this a tough decision. Blake Fisher, a rookie, would need to step up at right tackle, which comes with some risk due to his uneven play in limited action. This would also send Scruggs to the bench, not an easy decision in and of itself.
Regardless of the initial configuration, guards who aren’t in the immediate starting fold, such as Kendrick Green and Juice Scruggs, should be prepared to step in as needed. Whether it’s filling in for a struggling Jarrett Patterson, Shaq Mason, or even replacing other interior positions, having depth ready to adapt will be crucial as the season progresses.
What Should the Texans Do?
While I believe putting Patterson at center and moving Howard to left guard, with Fisher at right tackle, would provide the best shot at immediate improvement, I predict the Texans will opt for the simpler plan of inserting Patterson at left guard when he returns. This option maintains continuity and chemistry, which, although not perfect, may help stabilize the line.
The reality is that any reshuffling will require time to yield results. The Texans’ offensive line has faced formidable defenses, and left guard has been a glaring weak spot. The upcoming game against the Lions, who rank 25th in pressure rate, presents an opportunity for the line to start building confidence and showing progress.
In the end, Texans fans can agree on one thing: We need to see better results. While it won’t be an overnight fix, proactive changes and steady improvement could set the stage for a stronger finish to the season.
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