This Texans-Dolphins trade proposal sends Cedrick Wilson Jr. to Houston

The Houston Texans have been the worst team in the NFL in the last few years. They have found virtually no success on the field, winning only 11 games in the last three seasons. But, they are hoping to turn things around starting this offseason.

DeMeco Ryans is the third head-coaching hire in three years in Houston, but something feels different about this one. He was a sought-after candidate this offseason and he is on the same page with general manager Nick Caserio about how to rebuild and get the franchise back on track.

The Texans are hoping to find their franchise quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But, for that quarterback to succeed, a nucleus needs to be built around him. The process of building that nucleus has already begun.

Ryans noted that having a strong offensive line blocking for the quarterback was important. Houston acquired Shaq Mason from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to solidify the interior with Laremy Tunsel and Tytus Howard as bookends at tackle.

Next is surrounding the quarterback with some weapons. The Texans jumped on free-agent wide receiver Robert Woods early and also signed tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Devin Singletary. 

All three are solid players, but the front office shouldn’t stop there when it comes to upgrading the weapons. Finding another wide receiver is imperative, and with 12 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans should be able to find some.

Houston can bring in some young players to develop or find bargains on the trade market. One player that could pique their interest is Cedrick Wilson Jr. Wilson signed a three-year, $22 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in free agency last year, leaving the Dallas Cowboys for more money and what he thought would be a larger role.

That larger role dissipated however when the team acquired Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. Wilson was no longer a fit for the team, catching only 12 passes for 136 yards in 15 games. Already behind Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the pecking order and with Braxton Berrios being signed this offseason, Wilson finds himself even lower on the totem pole.

What could a trade between the Texans and Dolphins look like? It certainly shouldn’t cost much to acquire him, as one of the five sixth- or seventh-round picks that Houston owns should do the trick.

Miami would save $6 million on the salary cap by trading Wilson before June 1, which is money they could put to use elsewhere on the roster. His cap hit isn’t large by any means at $8 million, but for a deep-depth piece at wide receiver, that is an unnecessary amount to be spending.

A change of scenery would do him well and in Houston, he would have a larger role in the offense. Wilson had a breakout 2021 filling in when the Cowboys had injuries at the wide receiver position, catching 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns. If he approached those numbers, this deal would be considered a win for the Texans.