5 NFL superstars who should be traded by the deadline

3. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

With an 0-4 start, the Texans are moving toward a reset with the firing of head coach Bill O’Brien. O’Brien also functioned as the general manager the last two offseasons, simultaneously gutting the roster of high-level talent (DeAndre Hopkins, Jadeveon Clowney) and early draft picks in trades. Via the trade for offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, the Miami Dolphins own Houston’s first and second-round picks in 2021.

Watt is as synonymous with the Texans as any player can be. But he has also missed at least eight games in three of the last four full seasons, and even accounting for extra attention from blockers he has gone without a sack, quarterback hit or tackle for loss since Week 2.

Watt is under contract through 2021, and he’ll turn 32 right after the league year will presumably start next March (March 22). A contending team that fully buys into him still being a consistent disruptive force, with fading evidence that’s the case, may offer draft picks for Watt on the idea a better defense would keep him (or push him to) a higher level.

Whoever is making the personnel decisions in Houston now should have some blessing to offload veterans for future assets, That process may start with entertaining offers for Watt.