One Surprise Cut the Houston Texans Could Still Make This Offseason
The Houston Texans made a shocking move this offseason to trade star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for a package featuring running back David Johnson as the key piece. Still surprised? Bill O'Brien's moves rarely make much sense.
The addition of the one-time fantasy football star seemingly puts him atop the depth chart, leaving Duke Johnson's future with the team in question as the 2020 season approaches.
Bill O'Brien traded DeAndre Hopkins, a fourth-round pick and a third-round pick to pay Duke Johnson and David Johnson almost $20 million combined this year.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 16, 2020
The former Cleveland Brown came over in a 2019 trade and had 410 rushing and 410 receiving yards last season. This lays out his ability to be a weapon as a pass-catcher, which is also true for the new Johnson on the roster.
Deshaun Watson’s targets receiving this season:
— Anthony Wood (@arwoodNFL) May 2, 2020
- Will Fuller
- Kenny Stills
- Randall Cobb
- Brandin Cooks
- Keke Coutee
- Darren Fells
- Jordan Akins
- Kahale Warring
- David Johnson
- Duke Johnson
Oh and
- Isaiah Coulter
- Jordan Thomas
- DeAndre Carter
And more. #Texans
Duke's dead cap value is why he stands out as a potential cut candidate. That number is right at $0, compared to the $4.1 million he is set to earn. Meanwhile, David Johnson is earning just over $11.1 million. The goal for O'Brien, based on what he gave up, should be to have the latter on the field as much as possible.
A lack of usage led to Duke Johnson asking out of Cleveland. Giving him even less time in 2020 could create a rift and it would not be shocking for O'Brien to cut Johnson loose instead of figuring a way to incorporate both of his top backs. Avoid potential drama and save money? Seems like this is more realistic than we all think.