Right now, the Houston Texansshouldn't be looking to trade anyone at the Nov. 10 deadline. Even though they sit at 2-5 heading into their Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the best could still be on the horizon.
But should Houston fall to the winless Bolts, a soft rebuild could be in the works. General manager Nick Caserio should be feilding calls and making moves for the franchise to get rid of expirng contracts.
Who could be on the move? According toESPN, the rumor about Jadeveon Clowney's market is more than just words passed through the grapevine. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler views the former No. 1 overall pick as the top move to be made should Houston pull the trigger and let go of anyone.
"Clowney has generated trade interest, and because
he has played for seven NFL teams over his 13-year career, he's comfortable with being a rental for a contender," Fowler wrote.
Clowney, who was selected first overall in 2014 out of South Carolina, has thrived as a rental option since he was traded by the Texans in 2019. He's bounced around the league over the last few years, including stops in Tennessee, Baltimore, Cleveland and Dallas before rejoining Houston this past offseason in free agency on a one-year deal.
In five games with the Texans, Clowney hasn't lived up to fans' expectations after returning home following a career year in Dallas. After leading the Cowboys with eight sacks last season, he's recorded just nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two tackles for loss.
At 33, Clowney has become a situational pass-rusher at best. He's currently averaging just 37% of defensive snaps, a step down from his 44% of snaps with the Cowboys in 2025. In 2024, he averaged 64% with the Carolina Panthers, but was at his best defending the run.
Another pass rusher who has generated some interest ahead of next Tuesday’s trade deadline is Houston defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. https://t.co/haFgCAaWA8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2026
Given that Clowney is only on a one-year deal, plus a low salary at just $5.5 million, the Texans would be wise to at least entertain the idea. Given the value of a situational defender for teams looking to win a title, Houston could sell high and cash in on a player with an expiring contract for a decent draft compensation.
The Texans kick off on Sunday against the Chargers at 3:30 p.m. local time. Houston enters the game as more than a touchdown favorite.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: ESPN names top trade piece fo Texans ahead of deadline
