Texans Trade 1st Round Pick To Vikings For Multiple NFL Draft Selections
The Houston Texans pulled off the biggest draft shock last April after trading up nine spots with the Arizona Cardinals to select Will Anderson Jr. with the No. 3 overall pick right after selection C.J. Stroud at No. 2.
Now, Houston's trading back. Far back.
The Texans are trading the No. 23 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick (No. 42), a 2024 sixth-round pick (188th) and a 2025 second-round pick, according to reports.
Houston also is sending Minnesota its seventh-round pick (No. 232) acquired by the Maliek Collins trade from the San Francisco 49ers.
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For this Vikings, it's a deal that'll help the franchise land its next hopeful long-term quarterback. Last season, Minnesota was in the market to move up into the top 10 for Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, but the asking price was too high, leading to Indianapolis selecting him No. 4 overall.
The Vikings watched as Kirk Cousins signed a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons following a six-year stay with the franchise. With the draft capital, Minnesota likely could package a deal to move into the top three for one of the top four quarterbacks.
As for Houston, the timing seems off. General manager Nick Caserio made several splash moves in the early stages of free agency, including signing four-time Pro Bowl defensive end and Houston native Danielle Hunter, plus trading for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals for a late-round pick.
But the Texans also watched as several key free agents walked elsewhere to new deals. Sources told TexansDaily.com that Houston made offers to both running back Devin Singletary and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, but neither side could come to an agreement on a middle ground.
Houston has several significant needs entering the draft, most notably defensive tackle and cornerback. The Texans met with several top defensive players earlier this month at the NFL scouting combine, including Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and Illinois defensive lineman Johnny Newton.
Both are first-round talents who likely won't be on the table when the Texans are now on the clock.
As for the draft, Houston now has three Day 2 picks. The Texans already owned the Eagles' third-round pick (No. 86) after trading down two spots in the 2022 NFL Draft. Houston also owns its own second-round pick at No. 59.
