One of my favorite traditions in all of sports is our insatiable need to generate report cards on transactions immediately after they are executed. The fact of the matter is that a report card after the season is over, once we've seen the results of the move, makes a whole lot more sense.
But then how would we generate our precious narratives? We need our narratives, on the radio, on television, and in written pieces like this. I will say that I've never seen a trade where the variance on the grades has been as wide as its been on the Texans' trade of Laremy Tunsil to Washington for draft picks. So let's start there, in giving grades to the ten most significant moves made by the Texans this March:
Traded: T Laremy Tunsil to Commanders for draft picksAs has been widely analyzed, the Texans chose to send their best offensive lineman to Washington for four draft picks. The Texans line, in the short term, does not get better, but they save money on the cap, acquire those picks, and most importantly, they get to reshape the culture of that position group, which was reportedly somewhat broken. GRADE: B+
Traded: G Kenyon Green for S C.J. Gardner-JohnsonThe Eagles were getting ready to cut Gardner-Johnson for cap reasons, but he can still play. Instead of cutting him, they acquire Green as a project from the Texans. The Texans get a high level safety for two seasons at a reasonable price ($19 million). GRADE: A-
Traded for: WR Christian Kirk for 7th round pick
Slot receiver was a major need, and when he's been healthy, Kirk has been one of the best. The $16 million price tag is a little high, especially for someone who's missed half the games the last two seasons, but this is a huge need filled and upgraded. GRADE: B+
Signed: G Laken Tomlinson (one year, $4.25 million)
After cutting Shaq Mason and trading away Green, the Texans need bodies at guard. Tomlinson is a veteran, 34 years old, whose best play is probably behind him. He will compete for a spot in camp. GRADE: C
Signed: EDGE Darrell Taylor (one year, $5.25 million)
Taylor had 24.5 sacks over the last four seasons, and has pass rush win rate stats that indicate he may be an underrated signing. A strength of the team gets some depth. GRADE: A-
Signed: DI Sheldon Rankins (one year, up to $7 million)
Rankins return to the Texans after one season in Cincinnati. In 2023, he had six sacks and was a leader in the defensive line room. I'm guessing the Texans, at this price would sign up for that again. GRADE: B
Signed: WR Braxton Berrios (one year, $2 million)
Berrios, as I found out this week, is better known around the pop culture world as the "boyfriend of influencer Alix Earle." As a player, he is a cheap option in the kick return game, and will have a chance to make the team as a backup receiver. I look forward to meeting Earle at training camp. GRADE: B
Signed: CB/KR Tremon Smith (two years, up to $7.5 million)
Smith is another former Texan returning to NRG Stadium. He's spent the last couple seasons in Denver as a key special teamer in Denver. His two seasons in Houston during the rebuilding seasons of 2021 and 2022 were productive. He will help as a backup corner and on special teams. GRADE: B
Re-signed: Dl Mario Edwards Jr. (two years, $9.5 million)
Edwards was highly productive on his one year deal last season, as a Texan. The only blemish was a four game suspension for substance abuse. GRADE: B
Re-signed: EDGE Derek Barnett (one year, $5 million)
Barnett was picked up off the waiver wire toward the end of 2023, and since coming to Houston, he has been a key rotational piece on the defensive line. His 2024 season was highlighted by two fumble returns for touchdowns. GRADE: A-
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