One of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2023 was the Houston Texans. With a 63.9% completion rate, 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, quarterback CJ Stroud received Offensive Rookie of the Year. NFL Coach of the Year winner DeMeco Ryans finished second, having guided the Texans to a 10-7 record and the division title in the AFC South.
Two Young Wide Receivers for the Houston Texans Started to Shine in 2023
Additionally, the Texans featured two explosive wide receivers that made it very difficult to stop their attack. Nico Collins exploded for 80 receptions, 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2023 after totaling just 70 grabs for 927 yards and three scores in his first two seasons.
Tank Dell was putting together a phenomenal rookie campaign of his own with 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns before he was lost for the season with a broken leg.
Besides Collins and Dell, the Texans had two wide receiver that had more than 400 yards receiving in 2023. Those would be Noah Brown (567) and Robert Woods (426). For Brown, it was a pretty solid rookie campaign. For Woods, however, it was worst statistical season of his career. If the offense is to take a step forward, they will need an upgrade.
Before suffering a fractured leg that ended his season, Tank Dell was having an incredible rookie campaign of his own, with 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns.
The Texans had two wide receivers with more over 400 receiving yards in 2023 in addition to Collins and Dell. Robert Woods (426) and Noah Brown (567) are those. It was a really strong rookie season for Brown. But for Woods, it was the least successful statistical season of his career. The offense will require an overhaul if they are to advance.
Could Robert Woods, a wide receiver, leave the Houston Texans?
Since 2018, Woods’ overall receiving yards has dropped annually:
- 2018- 1,219
- 2019- 1.134
- 2020- 936
- 2021- 556
- 2022- 527
- 2023- 426
Here, the pattern is very evident: Woods is deteriorating. In addition to having a history of injuries, he will be 32 in 2024. By cutting him, the Texans may also avoid paying $5 million toward their salary cap.
However, it is obvious that Houston cannot count on Woods to be one of their top four wide receivers moving ahead, whether or not they decide to break ways with him.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers has been linked to the Houston Texans as a possible trade partner.
Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is not content. Following the 49ers’ Super Bowl defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, Aiyuk’s fiancée hinted on social media that the Second Team All Pro would not return for the upcoming season. Many people are curious about Aiyuk’s future after he made a mysterious post.
As a result of these events, many people think that Aiyuk would ask for a trade. Even if the 49ers activated his fifth-year option, he is still bound by his rookie contract and may yet be able to leave San Francisco.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Texans are among the teams that might be able to lure the disgruntled wide receiver away from the 49ers:
“While the Texans have a pair of talented young pass-catchers in Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Aiyuk could immediately step into the No. 1 receiver role.
“Houston would likely have an easier time than Arizona getting Aiyuk at a relative bargain, since San Francisco would be trading him out of the conference. With $65.4 million in projected cap space—and with both Collins and Dell on rookie contracts—the Texans could afford to give Aiyuk a top-tier contact.
“The Texans traded their 2024 first-rounder to Arizona to secure pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. in last year’s draft, but they still have the Cleveland Browns’ 23rd overall selection via the Deshaun Watson trade.
“Houston might find an elite No. 1 receiver with that pick, but it isn’t going to find a talent as proven as Aiyuk, who topped 1,300 receiving yards in 2023.”
Aiyuk, Collins, and Dell together in a wide receiving room might rank among the finest in the NFL.