NFL trade deadline: One move every team should make
By Joe Schiller
20. Houston Texans: Trade for Hau’oli Kikaha
It’s been a roller coaster season for the Houston Texans. They’ve seen rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson emerge into a possible franchise player with how well he’s performed in the last six weeks. They’ve also been on the backend of some devastating news after losing Whitney Mercilus and J.J. Watt to season-ending injuries. There’s no way to immediately replace their two best defenders, but the Texans can add some help. One move should be to consider Saints OLB/DE Hau’oli Kikaha.
The Saints originally drafted Kikaha as an outside linebacker but tried to transition him to defensive end. That experiment hasn’t worked out for either side and Kikaha as fallen out of favor with the defense this season. He’s been atop of all the Saints’ recent trade rumors and if they make a move, it’s likely going to revolve around him.
The Texans are taking on a risk with Kikaha given his injury history, but he’s one of the better pass rushers available right now. It’s not the perfect scenario, but the Texans have to add some kind of depth. There’s no guarantee Mercilus or Watt come back 100% healthy next season so it’s worth having viable backups in the long run.
If Bill O’Brien believes his team is good enough to make it to the postseason this season then they need to make a move. As great as Watson and the offense are playing, the defense isn’t good enough to take them far this season.