A playoff appearance and a playoff win aren’t a bad season by any stretch of the imagination. But, after C.J. Stroud’s magical rookie season — one that many described as among the best for a quarterback in NFL history — the expectation for the Houston Texans had been bordering on Super Bowl championship.
But a brutal sophomore slump for Stroud, combined with a porous Texans’ offensive line, paved the way for a less-than-stellar offense in 2024. Houston hasn’t made nearly enough changes to improve the latter problem, prompting one plugged-in NFL analyst to suggest a major trade to upgrade their protection up front.
Texans Predicted To Trade for Chargers’ Trey Pipkins III
The worst-ranked offensive line in the league, per PFSN’s OL+ metric, didn’t help Houston reach their lofty preseason expectations. Stroud regressed in his second professional season, throwing for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns (12 interceptions), which was a far cry from his 2024 Pro Bowl campaign: 4,108 passing yards, with 23 touchdowns.
As a result, Stroud finished 27th on PFSN’s QB+ metric, with the Texans’ offense suffering as a whole. Houston ranked among the bottom five units in the entire league in PFSN’s Offense+ metric — although injuries to leading wide receivers Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, and Nico Collins didn’t help matters much.
Their offseason moves weren’t enough to turn the tide. They actually subtracted from their offensive line by trading away tackle Laremy Tunsil in a baffling move, then getting rid of guard Kenyon Green and replacing him with guard Laken Tomlinson.
The Chargers felt the impact of Trey Pipkins’ return instantly on Sunday afternoon. Watch him immediately identify this stunt and begin the pass-off. This is also 100% a sack without Corey Linsley in there to finish the job. pic.twitter.com/VsKqlQLXue
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) December 20, 2022
Additionally, the 2025 NFL Draft haul wasn’t a surefire hit. Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery projects as a developmental piece that could become a success story. Then again, the 6-foot-6, 331-pounder might not be ready by Week 1.
PFSN’s Brandon Austin believes Houston would be smart to explore a possible trade for Trey Pipkins III of the Los Angeles Chargers. Pipkins might not have a starting job out there after the Chargers added tackle Joe Alt and Mekhi Becton in back-to-back offseasons.
“Pipkins, formerly the Chargers’ starting RT, shifted to right guard last season after the team selected Joe Alt with the No. 5 overall pick. Now, with Los Angeles bringing in Mekhi Becton, likely to fill that RG spot, Pipkins may find himself on the outside looking in once again,” wrote Austin. “Over the past two seasons, Pipkins has started 46 games and brings valuable versatility with experience at both tackle spots and right guard.
“That combination, along with his age (just 28), makes him a viable trade candidate heading into a contract year.”
For a team that still aspires for a championship, upgrades on the offensive line are a necessity, and there might not be a safer choice in their price range than Pipkins.