Houston Texans Trade for Stefon Diggs, Make NFL Offseason History

The Houston Texans have had one of the highest-profile offseasons in the sport, acquiring Danielle Hunter, Joe Mixon, and Stefon Diggs.

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs with / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio had a goal in mind this offseason: utilize the cap space provided by quarterback C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract to give the passer a supporting cast he can compete with.

It’s safe to say he’s fulfilled that promise, surrounding Stroud with win-now talents in an attempt to chase down the Kansas City Chiefs and continuing stacking AFC South championships.

Early in the legal tampering period, the Texans traded for Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon. Soon after, they’d sign Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter to a two-year, $49 million deal – $48 million of which is guaranteed. On Wednesday, they completed the trifecta, trading a 2025 second-round pick (Minnesota’s) for Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs.

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs with / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

In doing so, Houston made NFL history. According to the league, no team has ever added a 1,000-yard rusher, 100-catch receiver, and 10-sack defender in the same offseason.

As such, the Texans are better than they were mere months ago and project as one of the best teams in the AFC. Part of the reason Houston was able to acquire these players, though, was the risk attached to them. 

Mixon was on the verge of being cut by the Bengals before news of the trade broke. As a heavy-mileage back entering his age-28 season, Mixon’s best days are almost certainly behind him. Among the 44 backs with at least 100 rushes last season, Mixon ranked 34th in rush yards over expected (-0.30 per attempt). Singletary, for reference, ranked 29th. 

Of these three moves, disaster potential may be highest with this one.

The Hunter acquisition, on the other hand, is the safest bet of the bunch. His injury history is a small reason for concern, but all Hunter has ever done is produce, and there’s little to suggest his 16.5 sacks from last season will come crashing down. Armed with star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. opposite him, the Texans’ pass rush should be one of the most feared in the sport.

Diggs, meanwhile, presents some reason for concern. Yet, with such a high-profile star, it’s easy – and justifiable – to expect him to be a legitimate contributor. Although he’ll be paid like it, he doesn’t need to be the team’s leading receiver, he just needs to play his role in the offense and let Stroud do the work. Between Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and him, Houston can attack every level of the field and to an extent use their receivers interchangeably.

There’s a universe in which trading a second-rounder comes back to burn the Texans and after one year he leaves, without the solace of a compensatory pick. But as long as he’s an upgrade, giving the Texans three quality receivers instead of two, he brings them a step closer to a Super Bowl.

Now, Houston is pushing its chips in. Between injuries, aging, and general discontent, there’s potential for things to blow up. But with the money to spend and the time to waste, Caserio is right to swing for the fences.