Could the Houston Texans be in play for Jimmy Garoppolo by trade deadline?
By James Reeve
As the 2022 season draws nearer, the Houston Texans look set at the quarterback position, but could things change before the trade deadline arrives?
The Houston Texans struggled mightily during the 2021 NFL season, with the cloud hanging over Deshaun Watson leaving them with limited options at the most important position.
Tyrod Taylor was on board, but he did not inspire much during his six-game spell with the team. However, one shining light burned through what can only be described as a forgettable 4-13 season.
Davis Mills, who led the team to a 2-9 record in 11 starts, actually put up some good numbers that have the team hoping he can take the starting job full-time this upcoming season.
Mills threw for 2,664 yards, completing 66.8 percent of his attempts, earning 16 touchdowns to 10 interceptions – by almost every measurable, an upgrade over the veteran Taylor.
What made Mills’ performances even more impressive was the fact that this came during his rookie season at the Reliant Stadium, with Davis selected by the Texans in the third round (67th overall) of the 2021 Draft.
Things look bright for Mills, but what if the bright start does not continue into 2022? Could the Houston Texans look to acquire a veteran before the trade deadline?
One name that is firmly out there as being available in the trade market is Jimmy Garoppolo, who will not practice with the San Francisco 49ers as the team has made the decision to move forward with sophomore quarterback Trey Lance as their starter.
Garoppolo is a player that should interest a number of teams throughout the NFL, but the 49ers may not find a team willing to make a trade until further into the season – with some teams looking at what they have under center before pulling the trigger on any potential changes.
This leaves San Francisco with a decision. Do they wait until a team becomes willing to make a deal, possibly at the deadline, or do they cut the 30-year-old Arlington Heights, Illinois native at a dead cap cost of just $1.4 million?
Garoppolo is an unrestricted free agent after the 2022 season, but the 49ers will know his value to teams that need a solid starter under center, which is something that could interest the Texans should Mills fail to elevate the team above last season’s dour record.
The former New England Patriot has taken the 49ers to the Super Bowl in recent memory and even led the team to the NFC Championship Game just this past season.
His health has been a concern throughout his career, with just two seasons with double-digit appearances, and he has only recently returned from another ailment this summer.
Having time to get healthy and build up his strength should allow Garoppolo to have an immediate impact on any team that ultimately acquires him, whether that is by trade or otherwise, and the Texans could do with having someone they know can be a true leader on the team and be a difference maker on the field.
If Mills continues to grow and sees the team make improvements, the Texans won’t even give this situation consideration, but there are too many unknowns with Mills leading the team this season, and bringing in a guy that has a proven record when healthy is something that may be too tempting.
Trading for Garoppolo does come with the risk that he walks once free agency starts next year, but he may be willing to re-sign with the Texans, especially if he is keen to be a starting quarterback in the NFL for the next few years and the team shows the potential they have for growth.
It’s possible a move for Garoppolo comes before the season even begins, but if he remains on the 49ers roster as the season progresses, there’s still a possibility the Houston Texans could come sniffing around.