**AVANDATIMES.COM** – The Houston Texans have wasted little time reshaping their roster for the 2026 campaign, executing a series of high-profile transactions that include the departure of Tytus Howard and the arrival of veteran running back David Montgomery. Despite these early moves, the front office led by Nick Caserio may not be finished tinkering with the depth chart as the new league year enters its second week. AvandaTimes observed that the team’s aggressive approach suggests more moves could be on the horizon if the right compensation is offered.
With several positions seeing increased competition and some players entering the final stages of their contracts, three specific names have emerged as logical trade candidates. These players offer varying degrees of value, from veteran stability under center to youthful potential on the perimeter and the offensive line.
Davis Mills: A High-Value Backup Option
Quarterback Davis Mills remains one of the most intriguing assets on the Texans’ roster. While he is currently projected to serve as the primary backup to C.J. Stroud, his performance during a three-game winning streak as a starter last season has bolstered his league-wide reputation. Mills proved he could manage a game effectively without committing costly turnovers, making him an attractive target for teams in need of a reliable veteran presence.
The financial and contractual timing also favors a potential deal. Mills is entering the final year of his current agreement, meaning Houston risks losing him for nothing in free agency next year. Given the ongoing discussions surrounding the long-term future of the quarterback room, cashing in on Mills now while his value is high could provide the Texans with additional draft capital to address other needs.
Xavier Hutchinson: Navigating a Crowded Receiver Room
The wide receiver depth chart in Houston has become increasingly competitive, even with the departure of Christian Kirk. With Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Tank Dell, and Jaylin Noel firmly entrenched, Xavier Hutchinson finds himself fighting for a meaningful role. AvandaTimes notes that Hutchinson could potentially slide to the fifth spot on the depth chart, especially if the team adds more talent through the upcoming draft.
Hutchinson is also entering the final year of his rookie contract. From a salary cap perspective, the Texans could realize over $3 million in savings by moving on from the young wideout. Given his solid contributions last season, he holds more value as a trade piece than a simple roster cut, potentially fetching a late-round pick from a team looking for a physical receiver with NFL experience.
Blake Fisher: The Next Offensive Line Departure?
Houston’s offensive line has undergone significant changes recently, continuing a trend of the front office moving on from tenured pieces like Tytus Howard and Juice Scruggs. Blake Fisher, a former second-round selection, could be the next player affected by this philosophy. The arrival of Trent Brown has created a logjam at the right tackle position, leaving Fisher’s path to a starting role uncertain despite his 15 career starts over the past two seasons.
The Texans have a history of utilizing high-pedigree linemen as trade bait to fill other roster holes. A similar situation occurred last offseason when the team traded Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles in a deal that brought back defensive help. A summary of the current offensive line situation is provided below:
PlayerPositionStatus/RoleTrent BrownRight TackleFree Agent AdditionBlake FisherRight TackleTrade CandidateDavid MontgomeryRunning BackNew Acquisition
As the offseason progresses, the Texans remain in a flexible position to further refine their squad. Whether they choose to retain these players for depth or leverage them for future assets will likely depend on how the market develops in the coming weeks.