The Houston Texans officially parted ways with the possibility of signing Stefon Diggs earlier this week, as the elite wide receiver inked a three-year deal with the New England Patriots, solidifying his departure from Houston's radar.
This turn of events raises the question: will the Texans respond with a bold move of their own to fill the void left by missing out on Diggs?
The Texans have been active in bolstering their wide receiver corps during the offseason. They orchestrated a trade for Christian Kirk and also brought in Justin Watson via free agency. Both acquisitions are promising, but there is still a notable gap to address, especially with the unfortunate news that Tank Dell is likely to miss the entire 2025 season due to injury.
The challenge for Houston lies in the scarcity of viable options remaining in the free-agent market. With the pool of available talent running thin, the Texans may be left with no alternative but to shift their focus to the upcoming NFL Draft to identify a solution for their offensive arsenal.
That said, Cody Stoots, an analyst from Houston Football, has pinpointed one intriguing veteran wide receiver whom the Texans might consider: Tyler Lockett. In a conversation with Battle Red Blog, Stoots shared his perspective on the matter:
"If they aren’t done, I would like to see a veteran outside receiver. The name I have in mind is Tyler Lockett," Stoots explained. "He wouldn’t fully block a rookie the Texans select in the draft but would allow that player to come along at a modest pace. Lockett also isn’t a long-term investment. I do feel like they’re done now, though, and there aren’t many options where Houston actually could use."
Tyler Lockett, who spent a remarkable decade with the Seattle Seahawks, has built a commendable career that includes one Pro Bowl selection and four seasons surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Despite these impressive accomplishments, Lockett experienced a dip in production last season, managing 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns. Subsequently, he was released just before the free-agency period began.
At 32 years of age, Lockett is undeniably past his prime, and his role within a team would likely be more limited than in the past. Nevertheless, his precise route-running, reliable hands, and ability to excel in short and intermediate routes could make him an asset to rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, offering the Texans a stabilizing presence in their offense.
Ultimately, Houston's course of action will hinge on whether they choose to gamble on a seasoned veteran like Lockett or place their trust in the emerging talents available in the draft. Either way, the Texans face a pivotal decision that could shape their offense heading into the 2025 season.
