The writing might already be on the wall as the Houston Texans could trade former second-round pick John Metchie before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, Moe Morton believes the Texans should trade the wide receiver since he’s expendable after acquiring many wideouts this offseason. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product is entering the final year of his contract, so it’s not surprising that he could be a trade candidate. The Texans got Christian Kirk in a trade from the Jaguars and drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel during the second and third rounds.
There isn’t a lot of room for quarterback CJ Stroud to find him in the aerial attack, as he has enough capable weapons despite losing Tank Dell and will not have him for the entire 2025 campaign. It’s hard to imagine Metchie will be a part of this group since Nico Collins is the main contributor. Metchie was already not getting targeted last season, recording just 24 receptions for 254 receiving yards and one touchdown. However, this was his first time back a part of the depth chart since he was cleared for football activities after his diagnosis.
It might not be enough for the Texans to keep him as they’re slowly rebuilding the offensive pass attack for Stroud. Despite his health issues, he should receive a market of suitors, and these five teams could trade for him.
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Report: NFL Insider Thinks Texans Could Trade Second Rounder John Metchie – Top 5 Fits
Potential Destinations
New Orleans Saints
Since the Saints have a questionable quarterback following Derek Carr’s retirement, they need all the help in the world as far as the pass-catching unit. Brandin Cooks is way past his prime, so they need at least another receiver to ease the load for Rashid Shaheed. Star Chris Olave could request a trade at any moment, so Metchie’s arrival in New Orleans won’t save this season, but it gives either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler another capable weapon.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, just because the Cowboys got George Pickens in a trade this offseason, it doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t target another wide receiver. Jalen Tolbert is entering the final year of his contract, and if he doesn’t perform up to standards, they could acquire Metchie to help in the slot while CeeDee Lamb and Pickens focus on the deep threat.
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel should be the lockdown starters for this unit, but they have yet to develop another long-term playmaker for quarterback Jayden Daniels. It’s still early, but they might need to solidify the passing unit behind Noah Brown, Michael Gallup and Luke McCaffrey. Metchie provides a much better upside and could be at least a WR3 or WR4 to pair with McCaffrey for the next years to come.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of a wide receiver this offseason. Ladd McConkey is still the only reliable set of hands despite signing Mike Williams back and drafting Tre Harris. These two won’t save Quentin Johnston in the aerial attack, so they need another slot guy, and Metchie could be him to help McConkey in slant situational moments.
Jacksonville Jaguars
After trading Kirk to Houston, the Jaguars are still in the market for a third wide receiver. 2025 draft pick Travis Hunter and 2024 draft selection Brian Thomas Jr. are the new dynamic playmakers for Trevor Lawrence’s offense. However, Metchie could complete the package and put Lawrence in the best position to have a turnaround year.