Antonio Brown trade rumors: 5 teams who should be in the mix

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 17 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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3. Houston Texans

The Texans have struggled to find a No. 2 wide receiver to go with DeAndre Hopkins, and they won’t be bringing back Demaryius Thomas after trading for him last year. An Achilles’ tear surely informed the decision to cut Thomas, but it doesn’t change the idea Houston needs to add a suitable running mate for Hopkins.

It may come as a surprise to some that the Texans currently have the fifth-most cap space in the NFL ($76.1 million, via Spotrac). So there’s nothing to really stop them from addressing needs in a major way, with a concerted effort to bolster Deshaun Watson’s pass protection atop the list.

After Hopkins’ 115 receptions, 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, Houston’s next four most productive pass catches did not reach that catch total collectively, the next five didn’t combine for that yardage and only three others had multiple touchdown catches. Will Fuller has never consistently been a threat opposite Hopkins, and time is running out.

A trio of Watson, Hopkins and Brown is a thing of fantasy football dreams. But the Texans can make it happen, without hurting their ability to bolster the rest of the roster.

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