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3 More Ways Bill O' Brien Could Quickly Destroy the Texans

By Steven Kubitza

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Bill O'Brien has been widely ridiculed for the trade that sent DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for David Johnson and some draft capital. He showed he could be taken advantage of in negotiations and Houston Texans fans may be fearing more questionable decisions to come. A few potential moves stand out as those O'Brien could realistically make to further sabotage his own team.

3. Lowballing Laremy Tunsil in Extension Talks

The Houston Texans have to sign Laremy Tunsil to a long-term extension.
The Houston Texans have to sign Laremy Tunsil to a long-term extension. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

O'Brien made a blockbuster move last season that brought Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills to Houston in exchange for two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and several players. Tunsil, however, was not signed to an extension and is a free agent after this season. The lineman is seeking a massive extension and O'Brien may decide the former first-rounder isn't worth it. That be be a total disaster after the team offloaded some valuable future picks to Miami in order to land the lineman.

2. Not Drafting a Wide Receiver

DeAndre Hopkins was a star receiver for the Houston Texans.
DeAndre Hopkins was a star receiver for the Houston Texans. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The Texans don't pick in the 2020 NFL Draft until the second round, in which they own picks No. 40 and No. 57. O'Brien absolutely must select a receiver with one of these two picks in order to help replace Hopkins. He signed Randall Cobb to fill Hopkins' shoes, but both Will Fuller and Kenny Stills are free agents after the season. Trading Hopkins created an unnecessary need, which the Texans need to act upon and fill on Draft Day in order to keep Deshaun Watson happy.

1. Trading JJ Watt to Pittsburgh

JJ Watt is one of the faces of the Houston Texans franchise.
JJ Watt is one of the faces of the Houston Texans franchise. / Peter Aiken/Getty Images

Any trade involving JJ Watt may cause most Texans fans to lose their minds. One potential destination is Pittsburgh, now that both of his brothers, Derek and TJ, play for the Steelers. The team could call O'Brien to kick the tires on a trade and the coach/GM may be convinced to move the veteran if he can recoup some draft capital in return. This unpopular move could destroy the Texans locker room and even cost O'Brien the job fans have been calling for of late.