Texans WR John Metchie III named top trade target for 2025 offseason
With the offseason additions of Christian Kirk, Justin Watson, Braxton Berrios, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, the Houston Texans could be parting ways with one of their veterans ahead of training camp this summer.
Pro Bowl target Nico Collins is a top-five receiver in the AFC and locked in long-term as C.J. Stroud's No. 1 weapon. Kirk, whom the Texans traded for from Jacksonville to avoid targeting him in free agency, should be the starting slot receiver this season. Higgins, Houston's first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will likely start on the outside while Noel should compete for reps with Kirk and add value on special teams in the return game.
That leaves Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III on the outside looking in for 2025. According to Bleacher Report's Matt Holder, the latter might need a change of scenery if he plans on living up to his former second-round potential in a pivotal Year 4.
"That's a lot of mouths to feed and could make the Alabama product expendable over the coming months," Holder wrote. "Metchie is entering a contract year and likely won't be brought back with the organization's investments in the former Cyclones. But he was a top 50 draft pick who has plenty of talent to be more productive with a bigger opportunity elsewhere. Also, the 24-year-old was reportedly receiving trade interest heading into last season."
Houston had high hopes for Metchie when it traded up to the No. 44 pick in 2022 with the Cleveland Browns to select him. Despite coming off a torn ACL in his final college season, the Texans believed his smooth route-running and attention to detail in space would elevate the passsing attack for Davis Mills and a new-look Texans' offense.
But Metchie was forced to miss the entirety of his rookie season after being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer. With nearly two years removed from the game, Metchie has been slow to return to full speed, therefore costing him time in Houston to become a standout roleplayer.
Over the past two seasons, Metchie has totaled just 40 catches for 412 yards and a touchdown reception. Still, the former All-SEC standout has the skills to become a stable No. 3 target, which could lead to a change of scenery in his future.
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