When the Houston Texans acquired Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills, fans were eager to see the four-time Pro Bowler shine in a Texans uniform. In just half a season, Diggs lived up to expectations, tallying 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He was one of young quarterback C.J. Stroud’s most reliable targets on third downs, and his mentorship off the field set him apart. Now, with Diggs out for the season after an unfortunate ACL tear, the Texans face the tough question: how do they fill the void left by Diggs' consistent production and leadership?
Exploring Trade Market Options
With the trade deadline looming on November 5, many fans immediately wonder if the Texans should pursue a trade. The market for wide receivers has been active, with high-profile moves like Davante Adams to the Jets, Amari Cooper to the Bills, and DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs. While there are several receivers available, it's crucial to find a player who aligns with Diggs' skillset as a reliable slot option rather than a larger X receiver. Therefore, I’ve excluded big-bodied X-type receivers, like Mike Williams and Treylon Burks, who don’t fit the Texans' current need for a slot receiver. Instead, let’s explore a few potential targets who better match the Texans' requirements:
Darius Slayton (Giants) - Slayton is an experienced Z-type receiver with over 3,700 career yards. On an expiring contract, he could be available at a reasonable cost. However, Slayton’s tendency to play outside more often could be an obstacle, as the Texans need a slot presence to directly replace Diggs.
K.J. Osborn (Patriots) - With a more balanced snap share of outside and slot snaps, Osborn brings some versatility and has shown reliability. As a younger player with nearly 2,000 career yards, he may be a solid fit if the Texans aim to maintain a similar offensive structure to what Diggs brought.
Tyler Boyd (Titans) - Boyd has built a career on converting third downs from the slot. With over 6,000 yards, he brings experience and would complement the Texans' scheme, especially given his 70% slot usage with the Titans.
Adam Thielen (Panthers) - Thielen is a proven veteran and currently fulfills a heavy slot role. His reliability and ability to create separation would provide Stroud a trustworthy target in Diggs’ absence.
Other Slot Receivers - Options like Tutu Atwell, Elijah Moore, and Jakobi Meyers fit the slot profile and may be available at varying costs. Each has shown ability in the slot, though they lack the experience and production of players like Boyd or Thielen.
Given these options, it’s clear that acquiring a slot receiver is essential if the Texans do decide to make a trade. However, several of these players could require draft capital or restructured deals, which brings us to another point of consideration: Is a trade truly necessary?
Standing Pat with In-House Depth
The Texans’ management, led by GM Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans, has consistently demonstrated a preference for utilizing their roster depth rather than making hasty trades. This was evident in their approach during the offseason and in how they’ve handled injuries thus far. Caserio is a GM who typically waits for the right deal rather than reaching out of desperation, which aligns with the Texans’ long-term vision.
Currently, the Texans have two viable slot options in veteran Robert Woods and young talent John Metchie. Woods is a reliable, sure-handed receiver who has been crucial in third-down situations. He also excels as a blocker—a key component in the Texans’ run-heavy schemes. Meanwhile, Metchie brings youth and explosiveness, along with the versatility to play outside if needed. After overcoming significant obstacles like a knee injury and his battle with cancer, Metchie has shown resilience and potential, especially in the slot during preseason. His growth could provide the Texans with a homegrown solution.
Expanding Roles for Hutchison and Dell
While finding a slot receiver to directly replace Diggs is a priority, filling the production gap left by his absence will require a collective effort from the Texans’ entire receiving corps. Xavier Hutchison and Tank Dell are two players who will likely see an increased role in the offense, especially until Nico Collins is fully back in action and potentially even beyond that point.
Hutchison, who has primarily played outside, has shown flashes of his ability to be a reliable target. He may see an increase in targets, offering C.J. Stroud another physical, contested-catch option in critical situations. While he differs from Diggs in style, Hutchison’s presence can help spread the defense and provide Stroud a consistent target when Collins is out or rotated.
Similarly, Tank Dell could see his role shift and expand. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, Dell has shown playmaking potential since joining the Texans. With Diggs out, Dell’s versatility will be key. He could be tasked with more short to intermediate routes, possibly even sliding into the slot on select plays to add dynamic elements in open space. As Dell gains a higher target share, expect him to provide valuable yards after the catch, adding another dimension to the Texans' passing game.
Together, Hutchison and Dell’s expanded roles will be essential to keep the Texans’ offense competitive, helping fill both the production and the leadership void Diggs leaves behind.
My Take: The Smart Move is to Trust the Depth
While the allure of a trade is tempting, I believe the Texans should rely on the combination of Woods and Metchie to fill Diggs' absence. Trading assets or shaking up the roster for an external player—particularly when depth in other positions, such as offensive guard, could arguably use more reinforcement—may not be worth the cost. Woods and Metchie have the skills to deliver on the field, and the team’s confidence in their development speaks volumes about their potential impact.
Prediction: Expect Caserio to Hold Steady
Based on past decisions, I believe Caserio and Ryans will stay patient, relying on the system and trusting in-house options. This approach reflects the Texans' confidence in their players and adherence to the team's philosophy, which has resonated with fans and led to resilience even amid setbacks.
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