KC Chiefs, Texans could be shocking trade partners in 2022 NFL Draft
By Jacob Milham
It was not long ago that the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans were on the same trajectory.
The Texans led the Chiefs 24-0, in Arrowhead Stadium no less, during the 2020 AFC divisional round. The Chiefs made a stunning comeback, ultimately winning 51-31. The game serves as a memorable chapter on Kansas City’s march to that season’s Super Bowl. The two teams again had a solid contest early in the 2020 season, to no one’s surprise. The expected annual matchup of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson had fans and analysts excited. The rivalry had the potential to be one of the NFL’s all-time best—akin to Joe Flacco-Ben Roethlisberger or Troy Aikman-Steve Young.
Well, we all know why that rivalry has yet to add another chapter.
The Texans had an abysmal 2021 season, amidst the franchise’s upheaval. Previous head coach David Culley did not last a calendar year with the team, after a 4-13 season. Houston eventually dealt Watson to the Cleveland Browns, receiving multiple draft picks in return. The trade signals a new chapter for the franchise, with head coach Lovie Smith at the helm.
Teams are built through the draft. The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans could help each other in many ways.
The Texans enter 2022 with little proven talent on their roster. While the AFC South is up for grabs next season, Houston is not prepared to capitalize. The team has multiple templates for s xqΩorary solutions on the roster, with few long-term prospects. Houston, like Kansas City, is armed with two first-round selections in the 2022 draft. The Texans’ selections are much higher though, with the 3rd and 13th overall selections. Both teams also have an excess of selections overall, as both have at least 11 picks.
That differing trajectory is how the two teams trading with each other makes sense. The Texans are in for a multiple-season rebuild, while the Chiefs are going through a retooling of sorts. Many familiar faces are gone from Kansas City, with the team adding free agents to fill holes. But, the Chiefs need players that can contribute now. The championship window is always open with Mahomes at the helm. But, the team cannot rely on him alone. The defensive unit needs new blood, while the offense is precariously positioned as well.
Two trades could benefit both franchises and meet these timelines—one for draft picks alone and another where Kansas City takes an underrated player. While both could or could not happen, the phone lines should remain active between both franchises. They both have something to offer the other, and win-win trades are always good for NFL general managers.