Texans Trade Idea: Could Davis Mills Be Dealt to Denver?

The Houston Texans trusted third-string quarterback Case Keenum more than Davis Webb when it mattered most. Could they trade the young passer this offseason?

Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans / Cooper Neill/GettyImages

The Houston Texans saw their season flash before their eyes when quarterback C.J. Stroud hit the MetLife Stadium turf.

They would initially turn to backup quarterback Davis Mills. Stroud had replaced him as the starter upon his arrival as the No. 2 pick, leaving the days of quarterback uncertainty in the past. Stroud’s concussion, albeit a brief absence, returned Houston to panic city.

Mills' stay lasted less than a full game. He’d start the team’s Week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns—a 36-22 loss—but was replaced by third-string quarterback and mentor Case Keenum. With their playoff lives on the lines, the Texans trusted Keenum more.

Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans / Cooper Neill/GettyImages

Keenum performed admirably, helping lead the Texans to a clutch Week 17 win. Did his season-saving performance send Mills out of town?

According to the 33rd Team, Mills is one the more sensible trade targets left this offseason. In their set of mock trades, he was sent to the Denver Broncos for a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick, presumably based on playing time this season.

“The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Denver Broncos are the only team in the league without a somewhat viable passer on the roster,” Ian Valentino wrote. “Mills has been a below-average but respectable presence in 34 games. He doesn't create high-end plays but avoids disastrous ones well enough. 

“A conditional selection that maxes out as a fourth-round pick would allow Denver to be somewhat functional, even if a rookie doesn't fall into their lap.”

A Day 3 pick is a worthy price for a backup quarterback, and Mills’ ability in-structure could fare well in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. While it may be a stretch to say Mills will perform better than Russell Wilson did in 2023, few teams offer a better combination of coaching pedigree and possible playing time than the Broncos.

Of course, there’s a chance Denver finds its franchise quarterback in April’s NFL Draft and never looks back, much like Houston this past season. That shouldn’t take away from the value Mills could provide as one of the top 40(ish) passers in the sport.

If the Broncos decide to go with a non-quarterback in Round 1 and ride out the cap hell Wilson’s contract provides, Mills could get a longer leash while operating a professional offense.